Introduction

How would you feel if your family moved to an island where most of your neighbors were America's most dangerous criminals? What if your sister behaved so strangely that your parents couldn't even find a school that would let her attend, but they still expected you to take her with you wherever you went? Who is Al Capone, and what does he have to do with all of this anyway? As you research, you will begin to answer all of these questions and more.

Task

You will become an "expert" on either Al Capone, Alcatraz Island, or autism. All three subjects are important to understand as we begin to read Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko. You will gather information and create a poster, brochure, or news report about your topic.

PROCESS

Al Capone

1. Worksheet and Research:
  • Open and print the questions to answer about Al Capone:
Al Capone Worksheet
  • Use the following websites to answer the questions. You HAVE to read through the sites to find the information needed.
Audio Story of Scarface
(If you want to listen to the story, you must have your earbuds!)
Indepth Bio of Al Capone
(click through all of the pages for information)
Al Capone's Time at Alcatraz
2. Paragraph:
  • After looking over the websites about Al Capone, what would your verdict have been if you were part of Capone's jury? Guilty or innocent? Write a 6-7 sentence paragraph convincing me of your decision. Use facts you learned as you read the sites to support your argument.
3. Wanted Poster, News Report, or Brochure:
  • You should pick ONE of the three activities to complete.
  • All three choices should include the following:
  • At least 15 facts about Al Capone
  • At least 5 pictures or images (these can be printed)
/ Alcatraz

1. Worksheet and Research:
  • Open and print the questions to answer about Alcatraz:
Alcatraz Worksheet
  • Use the following websites to answer the questions. You HAVE to read through the sites to find the information needed.
Map of the Island
Present Day Map and Short History
Children of Alcatraz
Alcatraz History
Alcatraz Facts
2. Paragraph:
  • After reading about Alcatraz and it's history, I want you to think about how your life would been on Alcatraz as a prisoner. Write two diary entries from the point of view of a prisoner. Each entry should be between 6-7 sentences.
3. Travel Brochure, Travel Poster, or Commercial:
  • You should pick ONE of the three activities to complete.
  • All three choices should include the following:
  • At least 15 facts about Alcatraz
  • At least 5 pictures or images (these can be printed)
/ Autism

1. Worksheet and Research:
  • Open and print the questions to answer about Autism:
Autism Worksheet
  • Use the following websites to answer the questions. You HAVE to read through the sites to find the information needed.
Kids Health
(click through all of the pages for information)
About Autism
Autism Facts
Autism Story
2. Paragraph:
  • Write a paragraph (5-6 sentences) about how autism would change your family OR how having a friend or family member who has autism has changed your life.
3. Poster, Flier,or News Report:
  • You should pick ONE of the three activities to complete.
  • All three choices should include the following:
  • At least 15 facts about Autism
  • At least 5 pictures or images (these can be printed)

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Evaluation

Area: / Possible Points / Points Awarded
Worksheet-Al Capone, Alcatraz, & Autism
1. Are all of the questions complete? / 10
2. Did you answer all parts of the questions in complete sentences? / 10
Paragraph-Al Capone, Alcatraz, & Autism
1. Is your paragraph larger than 6 sentences? / 10
2. Did you put thought and effort into your response? / 10
3. Is your paragraph free of grammatical errors? / 10
Illustration-Al Capone, Alcatraz, & Autism
1. Does your illustration include more than 15 facts? / 25
2. Does your illustration include more than 5 pictures or images? / 10
3. Is your illustration creative and well presented? / 15
Total: / 100