Title - Michitex and the Mars Mishap (A Collaborative Story)

Project Authors -    Nancy Craft, Buchanan Middle School, Buchanan, Michigan, ncraft@remc11.k12.mi.us
                             Cheryl Carr, F.C. Reed  Middle School, Bridgman, Michigan, ccarr@bridgmanschools.com
                             Lacy Payne, F.C. Reed Middle School, Bridgman, Michigan, lpayne@bridgmanschools.com
                             Mohammed Djebrane, Canyon Hills Middle School, El Paso Independent School District, Texas, mdjebran@episd.org
                             Debbie Price, Brown Middle School, El Paso Independent School District, Texas, dsprice@epsid.org

Subject Area- Language Arts and Science

Intended Grade Level- Middle School

Description - This is a story completion activity where students are challenged to resolve the conflict that is presented in the story and write the ending to the story.  Students will then illustrate and share their stories with other video conference sites.

Learner Outcomes- Texas science middle school 6th grade TEKS.
  6.13 (B) Student describes types of equipment and transportation needed for space travel.
 
Texas Language Arts 7th grade TEKS
7.1BEliminate barriers to effective listening (4-8). 
7.4AConnect his/her own experiences, information, insights, and ideas with the experiences of others through speaking and listening (4-8). 
7.8CRead for varied purposes such as to be informed, to be entertained, to appreciate the writer s craft, and to discover models for his/her own writing (4-8).  
7.10AUse his/her own knowledge and experience to comprehend. 
7.10FDetermine a text’s main (or major) ideas and how those ideas are supported with details.
7.11CSupport responses by referring to relevant aspects of text and his/her own experiences (4-8).  
7.12GRecognize and analyze story plot, setting, and problem resolution (4-8).
7.16AWrite legibly by selecting cursive or manuscript as appropriate
7.16EUse resources to find correct spellings (4-8).
7.15DWrite to entertain
7.15GUse literary devices effectively such as including suspense, dialogue, and figurative language (5-8).  
7.15HProduce cohesive and coherent written texts by organizing ideas, using effective transitions, and choosing precise wording (6-8).  
7.18AGenerate ideas and plans for writing
7.18BDevelop drafts by categorizing ideas, organizing them into paragraphs, and blending paragraphs within larger units of text (4-8).
7.18CRevise selected drafts by adding, elaborating, deleting, combining, and rearranging text.
7.18DRevise drafts for coherence, progression, and logical support of ideas (4-8).  
7.18EEdit drafts for specific purposes.  
7.18FUse available technology to support aspects of creating, revising, editing, and publishing texts (4-8).
7.18GRefine selected pieces 
7.18HProofread his/her own writing and that of others (4-8).
 
Michigan Language Arts 6th grade GLCES
W.PS.06.01 Narrative Text - student will exhibit personal style & voice to enhance the written message in both narrative and infromal writing. 
 
Time - Classes will need a few class periods of preparation prior to the connection and a 45-60 minute video conference.

Preparation - Students will read the story starter to the story about Michitex.  Students will need to complete a story map for their story.  They will need to complete the end of the story and illustrate the story in its entirety.  The reading of the different story versions will need to be rehearsed before presenting them to the others in the video conference.

Materials -Students will need to have the story starter, pre-writing materials, final draft materials, illustration tools.

Video Conference Agenda - 
                        5 Min -             Welcome and Introduction - Each class shares their location and brief information about their school and respective classes.
   
                        30-45 Min -     Each class shares a 10-15 minute presentation of the story starter with the ending that their group had written.  Groups will also be sharing the illustrations that they created to follow along with the story.
                       
                        5-10 Min -       Debrief and Conclusion - After the readings are completed, teachers may wish to debrief and comment on the process that the students used in coming up with the ending to the story.  What influenced them in the choices that they made?  How did the main character change through confronting his problem? How did he resolve the conflict? What did you understand about yourself and your world at the end of the story? 
                  

Post Activities - Build a model of a spaceship, write poems about space or a particular planet, hold a poetry competition, create your own story starter and follow it up with another class completing the story, illustrate each others' stories.

Assessment & Evaluation-The students' learning will be accessed through participation grades, as well as rubrics to assess the quality of the projects.  The assessment of the use of videoconferencing will come from student feedback as well as teacher/facilitator meetings prior to each  video conference.

                              Story Writing : Michitex and the Mars Mishap.
CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Writing Process
Student devotes a lot of time and effort to the writing process (prewriting, drafting, reviewing, and editing). Works hard to make the story wonderful.
Student devotes sufficient time and effort to the writing process (prewriting, drafting, reviewing, and editing). Works and gets the job done.
Student devotes some time and effort to the writing process but was not very thorough. Does enough to get by.
Student devotes little time and effort to the writing process. Doesn't seem to care.
Solution/Resolution
The solution to the character's problem is easy to understand, and is logical. There are no loose ends.
The solution to the character's problem is easy to understand, and is somewhat logical.
The solution to the character's problem is a little hard to understand.
No solution is attempted or it is impossible to understand.
Illustrations
Original illustrations are detailed, attractive, creative and relate to the text on the page.
Original illustrations are somewhat detailed, attractive, and relate to the text on the page.
Original illustrations relate to the text on the page.
Illustrations are not present OR they are not original.

    Building A Structure : Space Ship

CATEGORY
4
3
2
1
Construction
Great care taken in the process so the structure is neat and attractive.
Construction is careful and accurate for most part, 1-2 details could be refined.
Construction accurately followed plans, 3-4 details could be refined.
Careless construction, many details need refined.
Plans Followed
Plans followed accurately.
Attempt at Creative modification.
Appropriate materials selected.
Inappropriate materials selected.
Working with Others
Was an engaged partner and cooperated well with others.
Had trouble cooperating.
Had trouble staying on task and cooperating well with others.
Did not work well with others
Time and Effort
Time used wisely in class and at home.
Time used wisely in class but not at home.
Class time was not used wisely, but did some work at home.
Class time not used wisely and no additional effort at home.

Implementation Plans-This project is designed for two or more classes to participate.  It can be spread out to occur over a semester.  The lead facilitator will be one of the Campus Instructional Technology Specialists at one of the participating schools.





Main Character Questionnaire 

 

  1. What’s your name? Michitex

 

  1. How old are you? male 12

 

  1. Describe yourself? short dark wavy hair, slender, 5'2" inches, blue eyes, freckles, big feet, wears thick coca cola prescription glasses

 

  1. Where does the story take place? Houston, Texas and the planet Mars

 

  1. Where do you live? Houston, Texas

 

  1. What’s your family background? Lives with father and dog Orion

 

  1. What do you like to do? football, astronomy, and soccer

 

  1. What’s different about you? Dad reads him poetry every night before bedtime, obsessed with space

 

  1. What do you care about? preservation of life

 

  1. What do you fear? dark, dying

 

  1. What are your dreams? kick a soccer ball in space

 

  1. Who are the important people in your life? Dad and dog

 

  1. What are the important things in your life? himself

 

  1. What is the problem that you are facing (conflict)? Left behind on Mars alone.

 

  1. How will you change through confronting your problem?  Possibilities: 

 

  1. How do you  resolve the conflict? 

 

  1. What will you understand about yourself and your world at the end of the story?  Possibilities:  
 
 
 
     Michitex couldn't believe his eyes!  He had won!  Who would have thought that he, of all people, would be a finalist in the poetry contest?  He hated poetry.  Everyone who knew him would be shocked at the news.  If only they knew that it was his Dad who was the inspiration behind the words. As he walked away from the mailbox robot, he was soon joined by his dog Orion.  Orion was a fat bulldog that Michitex had found at the pound.  He couldn't wait to tell his dad.  His dad would be so excited; Michitex ran to the videophone to contact him. As he called out the phone number, the videophone automatically switched on.  It was the year 2030 and Houston, Texas, was celebrating World Space Day.  He glanced at the invitation in his hands announcing him as one of the finalists in the contest and noted that he would be leaving for Mars in less than a month.  He would be joining four other middle school students from around the world on this trip.  Each finalist is allowed to bring a guest. Beep, beep.  The videophone announced, "Your father is on the line.  The connection is ready, you may begin your conversation." Michitex screamed, "Dad, you'll never believe it!  I am going to Mars!!"
     Dad calmly replied, "Chill out son and slow down.  What do you mean you are going to Mars?"
"Remember dad you made me enter that stupid poetry contest about space?"
 "Yes."
 "Well I won and now we get to go Mars."
 "What do you mean 'we'?"
"Well aren't you coming with me?"
 "I don't know if I can.  When do they want you to
       go?"
"In about a month."
“Oh, son, I can't go.  I have to work and I am afraid I do not have any more time off.  The next manual is due to be published on the new mission's operations and I have to ensure that it is perfect."
     "Then who can come with me?"
     "Why don't you take a friend?   How about Orion?"
     "Orion?"
     "Yes, it will be a first.  There has never been a dog in space
       since the Russians sent one."
     "I'll think about it, Dad."
Day of the Launch-
It was a hot day in July that marked the successful launch of Aries 24.  Michitex still couldn't believe that he was heading for Mars.  As he sat securely strapped in his seat in his astronaut suit, he glanced over at his fellow participants.  There was Shin Do from Japan, Agape Papadatos from Greece, Pierre Francois from France, and Joan Williams from Canada.  Michitex suddenly remembered Orion.  He quickly bent down and checked under his seat.  Orion was sleeping quietly in his kennel.  It was a good thing that he had taken him to the veterinarian before the launch to have him sedated.

Nine months later-
      
     Michitex could hardly believe the sight before him.  The small red planet seemed to take on a life of its own.  His thoughts were interrupted by the pilot's voice on the intercom.
    "We will be landing on Mars in three hours."    
      Loud cheers resounded off the walls of the space capsule.  Pierre and Joan jumped out of their seats and floated in the aisles.  It had been a long journey and everyone was ready for this adventure to begin.
Michitex could not believe how smoothly the assembly went.  It was so easy.  He didn't understand why he had been so nervous to present his poem.  Everyone loved it.
Michitex felt sorry for Orion; he had been cooped up for most of the journey. He had been playing with Joan's ferret Joe for most of the trip, but he was sure Orion would welcome a change.
     Excitement mounted as everyone hurried to the exit to leave the space craft.  As Michitex walked off the platform, he couldn't believe his eyes.  Mars was so red and desert like.  He walked cautiously towards the small outpost with Orion.
    Ms. Craft, the Minister of Mars, greeted them at the door and asked the finalists to take a seat.  Once everyone was seated, she began, "There will be an assembly with the members of Congress scheduled for tomorrow."  She continued, "Please check the agenda and note the time and order when you will present your poem to the assembly."
     According to the itinerary, he had lectures and tours that would fill up his time for the rest of the week.  They were scheduled to leave on Saturday, and he could hardly believe that they had just arrived on Sunday.
      Ms. Craft had stressed to everyone that the return flight would leave exactly at 11:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.  She said the window for departure made it imperative that no one be late for the return flight.  If anyone were late, they would not be able to leave for Earth for another month.
    Michitex arose to a cold Saturday morning.  He couldn't wait to get home to share his adventures with his father.  He missed his father and knew it would take another nine months to get home.
     As he looked around his room, he knew he would never forget this experience.  He carefully packed his bag and decided to take Orion out for a walk.  He had an hour before lift off.
     He put on his spacesuit and attached the leash to Orion's suit.  Once outside, Orion and Michitex hopped to a small ridge outside the post.  On the way, Michitex heard a snap as the leach broke and then saw Orion bouncing over the ridge.
As Michitex frantically looked for Orion, he knew that time was against him.  The rocket was scheduled to leave in five minutes, and he found himself at least a mile away from the launch site.  He tried his radio but there was interference from the approaching dust storm.
     Michitex was desperate!  He then heard a loud blast and looked towards the sky.  He could see the exhaust from the propulsion of the rocket.  A sinking feeling settled in his stomach.  He then heard a bark.......................................