The House of the Scorpion -- Project Choices

Focus:
Creative Challenge / Focus:
Visual Supported by Writing / Focus:
Writing Supported by a Visual
(Type essay in MLA format)
1A--Book Trailer
Create a “Book Trailer” to entice students to read The House of the Scorpion. Include a plot summary, pictures/symbols that represent characters, dramatic music, and/or voice over. Presentation will be timed and must be 1-2 minutes in length. / 2A--Story Map
Create a sequential map that represents setting and plot sequence in HOS. Your map must include 5 different settings.
For each of the 5 settings, complete the following:
(1) Label the setting
(2) List the 2 main characters involved in a plot event that occurred in that setting.
(3) Write a description of the plot event that happened in the setting
(4) Explain why the scene is important to the development of the story. / 3A--Informational Essay and Visual
[Comparison and Contrast]
Conduct research to gain full understanding on the topic of Dystopian and Utopian societies. In the body of your essay, (1) compare and contrast Dystopian and Utopian societies, (2) explain how these ideas relate to HOS, and (3) in a final paragraph, explain whether you think a Utopian society could ever exist. Provide evidence for your opinion.
Create a visual that shows the similarities and differences between a Dystopian and Utopian society.
1B--Comprehension & Inference
1. Re-read chapters 26 & 27.
Chapter 27 refers to (but does not actually list) the “Five Principles of Good Citizenship” and the “Four Attitudes of Right-Mindfulness.”
2. Make inferences to decide what these rules probably were and Create a visual that lists these 2 sets of rules.
3. Next, if AMS had “Five Principles of Good Citizenship” and “Four Attitudes of Right –Mindfulness,” what would they be? Make inferences to decide what these rules should be and create a visual that lists these 2 sets of rules that would be appropriate to govern students at AMS.
Write a paragraph to explain how rules can have both positive and negative uses. / 2B--Family Crests
Design 2 Family Crests: one for Matteo Alacran (old—El Patron) and one for Matteo Alacran (young—Matt).
(1) For each Crest, determine 4 different character traits that represent the personality and actions of the character.
(2) For each character trait, explain why you chose the trait and cite text evidence from HOS that shows the character acting out the trait.
To clarify: For each Crest you must 4 paragraphs focused on a different character trait. (total 8 paragraphs) / 3B--Informational Essay and Visual
[Problem/Solution]
Conduct research on a topic that is represented as a societal PROBLEM in HOS. (1) Explain how the topic you have selected is related to the plot and characters of HOS. (2) In general, explain the PROBLEM and how it is evident in our society (class, school, community, state, country, or world) today. (3) Provide a SOLUTION to the PROBLEM.
Create a visual that represents the problem/solution relationship.
Possible topics: Ethics (right vs wrong decision making), censorship, bullying, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, human rights, abuse of power.
1C—Act Out an
Alternate Point of View
Select a character (other than Matt) and write a summary of HOS from your character’s point of view. When you present to the class, you may dress up like the character, speak like the character, and/or use props that represent the character. This option will be timed and must be 2-3 minutes in length. / 2C--Body Biography
Choose ONE character from HOS to analyze. You must closely examine the character for his/her:
·  Appearance
·  Thoughts/Ideas
·  Feelings
·  Strengths/Weaknesses
·  Conflicts/Resolutions
·  Past Actions/Future Actions
·  Changes
Create a visual of the character and write 5 paragraphs that analyze the character based on text evidence. (see assignment sheet) / 3C--Informational Essay and Visual
[Description]
Conduct research on a historical figure or event referenced in HOS, such as St. Francis of Assisi, Cinco de Mayo, or The Day of the Dead. (1)Report your findings to fully explain the topic. (2) Explain how the topic is relevant/connected to HOS.
(3) Explain how the ideas represented by the topic have influenced you in the past or may influence your actions in the future.
Create a visual to help your audience gain full understanding of your topic.