My Brother Sam Is Dead

ELA/ SS Interdisciplinary Project

Introduction

Some called them traitors. Others called them revolutionaries.

In the time capsule, we found...

A torn letter from Susannah Meeker to Sam...

Tim Meeker's diary entry from 1775...

"Daniel Starr and Slave named Ned killed!"... 

An old fishing pole showing signs of frequent use.

What will you put inside?

TASK

Your team will be creating various projects related to the novel, My Brother Sam is Dead. Each group will have many choices of projects they wish to complete. You will be given a checklist that must be turned in at the end of the project.

ProcessLearning Stations

Each group will be assigned to a learning station. Your group will spend two class periods at each station. In each station, there will be several assignments to choose from. You must complete the required number of assignments within two class periods. You will have additional time to complete the assignments during your ELA class time.

Station 1: Artistic ArtifactEach group must complete TWO of the following

assignments:

Design a new My Brother Sam is Dead book cover.

Design a recruiting poster for the Patriot militia AND the Loyalist militia

Create a graphic novel chapter to replace any chapter in the novel.

Create a coded message from George Washington to a Patriot captain.

Station 2: Personal Reflections

Each group member must complete ONE of the following assignments:

Letter from Sam to any member of his family explaining why he is trouble and what may happen to him.

Letter from Tim to Sam describing the struggles the family is having since he has left and Sam’s reply.

Letter from Mr. Meeker to Sam explaining why he does not want him to fight in the war and Sam’s reply.

Letter from Betsy to Sam describing what’s going on in Redding since he has left and Sam’s reply.

Station 3: Video Archives

Each group must complete ONE of the following assignments:

Video journal of Tim after learning of his brother’s death sentence.

Video journal of Sam expressing WHY he is fighting for the Patriot cause.

Video journal of Mrs. Meeker after she’s learns that Sam has run off to fight for the Patriots.

Video of Mr. Meeker after he has had the fight with Sam about joining the Patriot militia.

Video journal of Betsy after she has learned of Sam’s death sentence.

Station 4: A Tribute to Sam

Each group must complete TWO of the following assignments:

Written obituary of Sam’s death.

Eulogy (written and videotaped) for Sam to be read at his funeral.

Collage (computer generated or paper) tribute to Sam highlighting his accomplishments.

News article of Sam’s execution published in a Tory newspaper.

Evaluation

You will be graded on the work YOU complete. Although you will be working as a group, each member is responsible for completing their own material.