8th- Utopia Project Overview

Utopia Travel Guide

CHALLENGE:  Plan your own Utopia and present it in the form of a travel guide.

BRAINSTORM:  What is important for others to know about your society?

CHARACTERISTIC OPTIONS:

Group 1 (Choose 4):

• Beliefs
• Gender Roles
• Rules/Laws
• Education
• Rights of Individuals
• Type of Government
• Treatment of Various Age Groups
• Family Structure
• Way in which professions are chosen
• Crime Rate and Punishment for Crimes

Group 2 (Choose 2):

• Dining
• Maps
• Sightseeing
• Free Time
• Arts and Entertainment
• Average Climate
• Medical Facilities
• Manner of Dressing
• Creating Families
• Available Transportation
• Parks and Recreation Facilities
• Calendar of Events
• Entertainment
• Celebrations and Rituals

STEP 1: Choose 6 characteristics of your ideal community:

Characteristics from Group 1:

______________________

______________________

______________________

______________________

Characteristics from Group 2:

______________________

______________________

Group 3 (Your Choice):  ______________________

 ****At this point, each student met with their teacher and reviewed their topics.******

Initials _______

Step 2:

Students received time in class to brainstorm ideas about each of their characteristics.  They were asked to list 5-6 details about how each characteristic is represented in your society.

Step 3:

           Students began the drafting process, according to the Utopia Calendar.  Each page of the Travel Guide included the following; Introduction with a strong Lead, Body Paragraphs (2 or 3- depending on topic and details), Conclusion.

Step 4:

          During the drafting process, students were able to set up conference times with their teacher to receive individual feedback before finalizing.  In addition, when the student believed that they were ready to finalize (type) their work, they checked in with their teacher.

Step 5:

         Illustration:  Each page should include a high-quality illustration that the student created.  The illustration should be drawn and colored to fit the topic chosen.

Step 6:

         When the student completes the individual pages, they schedule a conference with their teacher.  At the conference, the student is given direct feedback about their page, so that they can revise and improve their grade immediately....if they choose.

Repeat steps 3-6 until pages are complete.