English

Oral Language 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3

Reading/Literature 6.5, 7.6, 7.7, 8.6

Writing 6.6, 6.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.7, 8.8

History and Social Science

U.S. History 1877-Present USII.3, USII.6, USII.8

Civics CE.6

World History and Geography to 1500 a.d. WHI.3, WHI.4, WHI.7, WHI.8

Science

Earth Patterns, Cycles, and Change 4.7d

MS.4: Characteristics of leaders

MS.6: Role of context in leadership

"Profiles in Courage"

The purpose of this activity is to allow students to discover the leadership characteristics of certain famous leaders.

Steps To Complete the Activity

Have students

• First do research on the life and accomplishments of a famous political leader. The research can be done alone or in groups.
• Analyze the situations in which their leader demonstrated original, courageous, or creative leadership. Imagine how their leader would react to situations today. For example, how would George Washington react to civil rights legislation? How would Martin Luther King, Jr. react to the current political situation in South Africa? Write a series of questions for their leader to answer that reflect his or her character and his or her leadership abilities.
• Present their research to the class in an interview format (perhaps like one of the news talk shows—"Face the Nation" etc.)

Instructional Materials and Resources

Students will need a computer lab or classroom computer with access to the Internet. Students may also use their textbooks and the school and local libraries.