7 th Grade Honors Project Part 1 – Bull Run Part 2 – Historical Event Research Part 3 – Original Historical Novel

What does it mean to be an honor student? O Highly motivated and intellectually curious O Value abstract, conceptual assignments that require independent thinking O Come to class prepared, complete assignments, and miss fewer classes O Value the challenges posed by difficult content and assignments O Learn, by overextending themselves, greater self- discipline, and time-management skills O Open-minded when confronting ideas that challenge their own ideas, beliefs, and assumptions

What does an honors project usually entail? O Sets high standards and expects excellence O Stresses critical, independent, creative thinking O Examines subject matter in-depth, often through experiential learning O Develops advanced reading, writing, and research skills, emphasizing use of primary sources O Places responsibility for learning with the student, and encourages student presentations O Encourages creative approaches in research and presentations O Cultivates leadership traits

What are my first steps? PART 1 Reading a historical novel O Check out the novel Bull Run by Paul Fleischman from the library. Must have a check-out form from your teacher. O Set up a reading schedule in order to complete the book in a timely manner. O Read the novel and complete the comprehension questions for each chapter (separate powerpoint on honors tab). O Pay close attention to the writing style of the novel.

What comes next? PART 2 Research a historical event that interests you O Choose a historical event you are interested in (that you could write a novel about). O Research that event in order to get a well rounded understanding of it and complete 2 graphic organizers.

Graphic Organizers (These are just picture examples. Full size documents can be printed)

What are my final steps? Part 3 Write a historical novel O Create 4 characters who will be protagonists in your novel. O Write 2 or more diary-like entries for each character (1 st person P.O.V.). O Format and publish the novel in manuscript format.

Novel Characters O Create 4 characters to be the stars of your novel. O Complete the character development questionnaire for each character (first 13 and 4 more of your choice). O Characters may be men, women, children, and even possibly animals. They should give the reader a well rounded view of the historical event. * Keep in mind, this is supposed to be a novel that publishers could take seriously!

Diary Entries O Bull Run will be the model for how to compose your entries for each character. O Each entry should be 700 words or more. O Each entry should be in proper manuscript format (Models and examples will be provided).

How will I be graded? O Comprehension questions and graphic organizers will be graded for accuracy and completion. O Novels will be graded based on 6 traits rubrics (provided as separate documents). O The honors project should be turned in by Wednesday, May 4 th. O The final grade and point value will be determined by your Language Arts Teacher.