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  • YouTube Biographies


    In this collection, students watch short YouTube videos about the lives of various historical figures. Students then write a short biography based on the information included in the video they watched. Each assignment allows students to demonstrate comprehension, gather information from a source, and practice writing about important historical figures.

    • Write a Short Biography of Ida B. Wells

      Write a Short Biography of Ida B. Wells

      In this assignment, students watch a 11-minute video about Ida B. Wells' life and then write a Short Biography summarizing what they learned. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (9):Use Reliable Sources, Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR), Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of John Maynard Keynes

      Write a Short Biography of John Maynard Keynes

      In this assignment, students watch an 11-minute video about John Maynard Keynes and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of the Navajo Code Talkers

      Write a Short Biography of the Navajo Code Talkers

      In this assignment, students watch a eight-minute video about the Navajo Code Talkers and then write a Short Biography summarizing what they learned. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (9):Use Reliable Sources, Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR), Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Summarize/Paraphrase Text (IR)
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

      Write a Short Biography of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz

      In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Booker T. Washington

      Write a Short Biography of Booker T. Washington

      In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Booker T. Washington and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

      Write a Short Biography of Franklin Delano Roosevelt

      In this assignment, students watch a 25-minute video about Franklin Delano Roosevelt and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of The Mirabal Sisters

      Write a Short Biography of The Mirabal Sisters

      In this assignment, students watch a six-minute video about the Mirabal sisters and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

      Write a Short Biography of Elizabeth Cady Stanton

      In this assignment, students watch a six-minute video about Elizabeth Cady Stanton and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Grace Lee Boggs

      Write a Short Biography of Grace Lee Boggs

      In this assignment, students watch a 17-minute video about Grace Lee Boggs and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Pablo Neruda

      Write a Short Biography of Pablo Neruda

      In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about Pablo Neruda and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Malala Yousefzai

      Write a Short Biography of Malala Yousefzai

      In this assignment, students watch a 20-minute documentary about Malala Yousefzai's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Crazy Horse

      Write a Short Biography of Crazy Horse

      In this assignment, students watch a 10-minute video about Crazy Horse and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video and can do additional research to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Zitkala-Ša

      Write a Short Biography of Zitkala-Ša

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Zitkala-Ša's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Pauli Murray

      Write a Short Biography of Pauli Murray

      In this assignment, students watch a 3-minute documentary about Pauli Murray's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Martha Gellhorn

      Write a Short Biography of Martha Gellhorn

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Martha Gellhorn's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Edith Maude Eaton

      Write a Short Biography of Edith Maude Eaton

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Edith Maude Eaton's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Shirley Chisholm

      Write a Short Biography of Shirley Chisholm

      In this assignment, students watch a two minute documentary about Shirley Chisholm's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Chien-Shiung Wu

      Write a Short Biography of Chien-Shiung Wu

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Chien-Shiung Wu's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Judith Heumann

      Write a Short Biography of Judith Heumann

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Judith Heumann's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Kamala Harris

      Write a Short Biography of Kamala Harris

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Kamala Harris's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Ellen Ochoa

      Write a Short Biography of Ellen Ochoa

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Ellen Ochoa's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d
    • Write a Short Biography of Dolores Huerta

      Write a Short Biography of Dolores Huerta

      In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Dolores Huerta's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing.

      Duration: 45–60 minutes

      SKILLS (8):Use Reliable Sources, Check Spelling & Punctuation, Use Voice/Style/Tone, Follow the Prompt, Stay on Topic, Consider Language and Word Choice, Elaborate (Info), Organize for Flow and Logic
      STANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.d
      FORMAT:Short Response
      PROMPTS (1)
      Skills in this Assignment
      • Use Reliable Sources
      • Check Spelling & Punctuation
      • Follow the Prompt
      • Stay on Topic
      • Consider Language and Word Choice
        • Use Voice/Style/Tone
      • Elaborate (Info)
      • Organize for Flow and Logic
      Standards in this Assignment
      • W.9-12.4
      • W.9-12.5
      • W.9-12.1.d

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