Activity Overview
Students will read samples of urban legends and practice searching for clues that reveal the truth beneath their specious facades.
Before the Activity
See the attached Activity PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity.
Print the appropriate pages from the Activity for your class.
Install the LearningCheck(tm) App on the students' graphing calculators following the attached instructions.
Use the "Urban Legends Anticipation Guide" section of the file to survey the students and promote discussion. Preview the three activities for the students.
During the Activity
Distribute the appropriate pages from the Activity to your class
Distribute the LearningCheck(tm) file(s) to your class using TI Connect(tm) and the appropriate TI Connectivity cable
Follow the procedures outlined in the Activity
Students will:
Discuss and analyze urban legends.
Rewrite urban legends in a local setting.
Share their newly-localized urban legends in a "campfire setting".
Identify philosophical assumptions and basic beliefs underlying selected texts.
Evaluate the reliability and authenticity of information conveyed in a text, using criteria based on knowledge of the author, topic, and context and analysis of logic, evidence, propaganda, and language.
Write creative fiction that includes an authentic setting, discernible tone, coherent plot, distinct characters, effective detail, believable dialogue, and reasonable resolution of conflict.
Develop a composition through a series of drafts, using a revision strategy based on purpose and audience, personal style, self-awareness of strengths and weaknesses as a writer, and feedback from peers and teachers.
Demonstrate confidence and poise during presentations.
Speak fluently with varied inflection and effective eye contact, enunciating clearly at an appropriate rate and volume.
After the Activity
Using the "Elements of an Urban Legend" section of the LearningCheck(tm) file (or optional Student Work Sheet), explore the underlying similarities between urban legends. Get the students thinking about the commonalities that run through all the legends they read in class.