Individuality vs. Conformity:
How have nonconformists contributed to society?
***TEACHER NOTES are included in RED font.***
Curriculum Connections
2.4.4 How can I choose to use different text forms and genres for their particular purpose and affect they have on their audience?
3.4.1 How can I communicate information in a variety of texts (interviews, mini-lessons, documentaries)?
4.1.8 How can I choose a document format that is appropriate for my content, audience, and purpose?
3.3.2 How can I organize ideas and information to establish an overall point of view in my texts?
3.1.3 How can I select appropriate sources of information for my topic, audience, purpose, and text form?
3.2.1 How can I find information from a variety of sources when conducting research?
3.4.2 How can I incorporate appropriate visuals and other media to inform and engage my audience?
4.3.2 How can I present information that has a clear purpose, and that appeals to the interest and background knowledge of my audience?
Project Premise:
This project was designed to be a non-fiction component of a thematic unit examining the themes of Individuality & Conformity. It can also exist as a stand-alone research project.
What makes a person a nonconformist? People considered nonconformists have also been labeled mavericks, rebels, originals, and eccentrics – they are known for going against the grain and being themselves without apology.
Your task is to research one individual who has fought for their beliefs, attempted to change the rules of society, or has simply lived in a way that was considered strange or unique.
You may choose a research subject from the list below, or propose a different person (be sure to get approval from your teacher).
NOTE: The task wording above is designed to allow students to pursue their personal interests. Some nonconformists that students have proposed, as an alternative to the list provided, have been Eminem, Jesus, and Bob Marley, among others.
NOTE: This project can also be implemented as a group project with individual accountability for assessment purposes (i.e. avoid assigning a group mark).
Nonconformists:
Martin Luther King Jr. Nellie McClung Rosa Parks
Mahatma Ghandi Nelson Mandela Emily Murphy
What do I do with my research?
The final product of your research will be an informative and visually engaging handout on your individual that will accompany a short presentation to the class (1-3 minutes).
NOTE: Instead of a handout/presentation format, an alternative implementation approach would be for students to select the text format of their choice to address the questions below.
NOTE: Instead of or in addition to providing focus questions, students could propose their own research questions as a basis for the project.
Your handout (format of your choice) must address the following questions:
q What brief background information will help describe their context?
q Why did he/she decide to rebel against mainstream society?
q How did they affect the world (for better or worse)?
q Which specific web sources did I get my information from?
Your 1-3 minute presentation (format of your choice) must address the following questions:
q How can I show the audience how my nonconformist affected the world (positively or negatively)?
q How can I incorporate visuals and/or other media to inform and engage my audience?
q How can I organize my presentation so that my audience hears a clear introduction, middle discussion, and conclusion?
ASSESSMENT SUGGESTIONS:
- Once students have had 1-2 periods to work on the project, pause to co-create criteria for the assignment.
o Students can use the co-created criteria as a self-assessment checklist to make revisions to their work.
o Teacher can use the co-created criteria to make an assessment rubric (see recommended template).