1. Mark Twain 1. Question & Research Task
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Mark Twain 1. Question & Research Task
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The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was written by Mark Twain and published in 1870.
The novel represents the first time Mark Twain incorporated childhood experiences into his writing.
We will explore Mark Twain’s early life in Hannibal, Missouri.
We will think about how Twain’s experiences helped shape the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Image Source: World Book Student
In this Slam Dunk, you will conduct brief, focused research to respond to the inquiry question:
In what ways are texts influenced by the life experiences of authors?

2. 2. Information Sources Next 1 2 3 4 5 6
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You will use these resources to investigate Mark Twain’s life and complete the Student Activity on Slide 3. Keep the essential question in mind as you conduct your research:
In what ways are texts influenced by the life experiences of authors?
Historic Hannibal, Missouri (YouTube video to be screened by teacher or library media specialist)
Brain Pop biographical video about Mark Twain*
Mark Twain Biography: Mark Twain House & Museum
My Hero Project: Mark Twain biography
The City Mark Twain Made Famous: Hannibal, Missouri in the 1800s | PDF version
Mark Twain’s boyhood home in Hannibal, Missouri
*NOTE: Go to the BCPS Database page and click on BrainPOP, then return to this slide and click on the video link above.

3. 3. Student Activity
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After reviewing the resources, how do you think Mark Twain’s early life experiences in Hannibal, Missouri helped shape his setting of St. Petersburg and the characters he created in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer?
Use a Venn diagram to record a list of similarities and differences between Mark Twain and his character Tom Sawyer.
Interactive Venn Diagram
MS Word Venn Diagram template for word-processing -OR-
Create your own Venn Diagram on notebook paper.
Image Source: Mark Twain, Library of Congress , Tom Sawyer, PBS

4. 4. Assessment Activity
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In what ways are texts influenced by the life experiences of authors?
Questions the Biographical critic answers:
What aspects of the author’s personal life are relevant to this story?
Which of the author’s stated beliefs are reflected in the work?
Does the writer challenge or support the values of his/her contemporaries?
What seem to be the author’s major concerns? Do they reflect any of the writer’s personal experiences?
Do any of the events in the story correspond to events experienced by the author?
Do any of the characters in the story correspond to real people?
You are a biographical critic. A biographical critic studies diaries, journals, autobiographies, and letters that the author has written, as well as biographies.
This information helps in comprehending and analyzing the text. Remember to relate the biographical research directly with the text. You will compare the novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer to Mark Twain’s own life experiences.
Use the resources on the previous slide and any additional resources your teacher has provided to answer the questions on the right. Can you add any questions of your own?
Link to Biographical Critic work sheet

5. 5. Enrichment Activities
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Extension Activity:
Mark Twain was a life-long scrap booker. He took one where ever he would go, and used his scrapbooks as resources for his writing. Create your own autobiographical multimedia poster scrap book like Prezi.
Additional digital resources:
Ken Burns’ Mark Twain: Part I
Ken Burns’ Mark Twain: Part II
NBC Learn: Writer’s Lives, Mark Twain
Mini Bio: Mark Twain, Biography Channel
Select the image above to browse the PBS Mark Twain interactive scrapbook.
Image Source: PBS.com

6. 6. Teacher Resources 1 2 3 4 5 6 Learning Standards Alignment
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Learning Standards Alignment
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy
Reading: 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
Writing: 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
AASL Standards Framework for Learners Inquire: Build new knowledge by inquiring, thinking critically, identifying problems, and developing strategies for solving problems.
Think: Learners display curiosity and initiative by:
I.A.2 Recalling prior and background knowledge as context for new meaning.
Create: Learners engage with new knowledge by following a process that includes:
I.B.1 Using evidence to investigate questions. I.B.3 Generating products that illustrate learning.
Share: Learners adapt, communicate, and exchange learning products with others in a cycle that includes:
I.C.1 Interacting with content presented by others.
Grow: Learners participate in an ongoing inquiry-based process by:
I.D.2 Engaging in sustained inquiry.
P21 Framework: 21st Century Student Outcomes
3. Information, Media & Technology Skills: Information Literacy: Access information efficiently and effectively; Use information accurately and creatively for the issue or problem at hand.
ICT Literacy: Use technology as a tool to research, organize, evaluate and communicate information.
Grade 6 AA Ela
Time Frame: 1-2 class periods
Differentiation strategies for this lesson:
Have students use learning supports provided in any BCPS-licensed Digital Content included in this lesson. Refer to Digital Content Snapshots & Support resources for as needed.
Notes to the teacher:
Collaborate with your school library media specialist to plan and implement this lesson.
Prezi is free but does require a log-in. You may want to create an account for the class.
Last updated: July Report broken links to BCPS Library Media Programs & Digital Resources BCPS Slam Dunk Research Model, Copyright 2018, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved. This lesson may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. This lesson is based on Dr. Jamie McKenzie’s Slam Dunk Digital Lesson model.