Description: p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.2px 0.0px; font: 19.0px ''Akzidenz-Grotesk BQ''} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 7.2px 0.0px; font: 10.0px ''Akzidenz-Grotesk BQ''} p.p3 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 3.6px 0.0px; font: 8.0px ''Akzidenz-Grotesk BQ''} RESEARCH & WRITING PROJECTS The research and writing activities below correlate to the following Common Core State Standards: (L.4-8.4) (RL.5-8.4) (RL.5-6.5) (RL.6-8.6) (RL.4-8.7) (SL.4-8.1, 3) (W.4-8.2, 7) (WHST 6-8.6) 1) Go to the library or online to learn more about the literary subgenre of steampunk. Find at least three sources for your information. Use your research to create an informative poster that includes a definition of steampunk, a short history of the origin of the genre, and a list of some famous steampunk novels and/or movies. 2) In steampunk novels, famous historical figures often interact with fictional characters. The Dragon Lantern features General George Custer. Learn more about Custer''s life and times, then write a short essay explaining why you think author Alan Gratz chose to use this character to tell the story of Archie and his friends'' pursuit of the Dragon Lantern. 3) Several Native American tribes are referenced in the novel, as they are in the first League of Seven book. In real American history, these tribes had tragic relocation experiences as the American government set them on the "Trail of Tears." Research the "Trail of Tears" and then create an annotated map (with dates) showing how at least five tribes were affected by the "Trail of Tears." 4) A. Go to the library or online to find a definition of "Colossus." Learn about things that have been named Colossus through history, such as the Colossus of Rhodes, the Colossus computer, or the Colossus character in the Marvel Comics universe. Use PowerPoint or other multi-media software to create a presentation entitled, "Colussus: Ideas, Images, and History" to share with friends or classmates. B. Using pencils, pen-and-ink, or even 3-dimensional arts media, create a drawing or model of Colossus based on details found in the novel. 5) A. Many characters whom Hachi and Fergus meet in Louisiana are true figures from history. Go to the library or online and use research skills to identify at least three characters from the Louisiana-based chapters of the novel who were not simply invented by the author. If desired, continue your search for real historical figures in the story. Keep track of them in a notebook. B. Use your research as the base for a card game: Write each character name on a separate index card. On the reverse side, write "F" for fictional or "R" for real historical figure along with 2-3 facts about this individual. Take turns holding up cards to see if friends or classmates can tell the fictional from the real and what they know about the real people. 6) In the character of Kitsune, write at least four journal entries, including one recounting your transformation into a fox girl, one explaining your complicated behavior toward Archie and his friends, one describing your decision to join forces with Archie, and one exploring your feelings toward "Mrs. Moffett" and what you may understand about her that the other League members do not. 7) Create a chart comparing Buster, Mr. Rivets, Philomena Moffett, and Kistune in terms of their machine, human, spirit, and animal qualities. Based on your chart, write a MANIFESTO (a declaration of your guidelines and goals) explaining how all creatures of the earth should be treated. Read your manifesto aloud to friends or classmates. 8) Create an illustrated booklet entitled, "A Reader''s Guide to the Heroes of the League of Seven." Make a page for each League member, noting his or her physical appearance, what you know of their history and powers, and how they contribute to the group. Leave two blank pages for future League members to be discovered in novels-to-come! 9) Role-play a conversation between Archie, Hachi, Fergus, Clyde, and Kitsune in which each discusses why he or she agreed to be part of the League of Seven and their feelings about the group. 10) Help Archie and his friends find their next League member by creating an early chapter for the next League of Seven novel. Select your favorite historical time and place and then research at least two real people, events, or important objects from this time to include in your chapter. Invent and name a new fictional League member and decide what abilities he or she will have. Write a 3-6 page chapter in which Archie or Hachi meets this new League member. 11) In the last century, philosopher and essayist George Santayana (1863-1952) wrote: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." How does this relate to Archie''s observation that people sometimes "want to forget" horrible experiences? Is forgetting dangerous? Write an essay explaining how Santayana''s quotation can be understood in terms of the novel. Lexile: 780L AR Level: 5.1 MG AR Points: 13.0 AR Quiz #: 175174 EN

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