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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.
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Write a Short Biography of Benjamin Franklin
Write a Short Biography of Benjamin Franklin
In this assignment, students watch a six-minute video about Benjamin Franklin's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Benjamin Franklin helped shape the United States.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce Background & TopicSTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce Background & Topic
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Amelia Earhart
Write a Short Biography of Amelia Earhart
In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about Amelia Earhart and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Amelia Earhart was and what she accomplished.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of George Washington
Write a Short Biography of George Washington
In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about George Washington's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who George Washington was and how he helped shape the United States.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Clara Barton
Write a Short Biography of Clara Barton
In this assignment, students watch a three-minute video about Clara Barton and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Clara Barton was and how her work helped people.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Sitting Bull
Write a Short Biography of Sitting Bull
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Sitting Bull and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Sitting Bull was and how he helped lead the Lakota tribe through years of resistance.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Madam C. J. Walker
Write a Short Biography of Madam C. J. Walker
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Madam C. J. Walker's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Madam C. J. Walker became the first female self-made millionaire in America.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Andrew Carnegie
Write a Short Biography of Andrew Carnegie
In this assignment, students watch a two-minute video about Andrew Carnegie's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Andrew Carnegie became a successful businessman.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Ruby Bridges
Write a Short Biography of Ruby Bridges
In this assignment, students watch a nine-minute video about Ruby Bridges and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Ruby Bridges is and how she helped to desegregate schools.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Thomas Edison
Write a Short Biography of Thomas Edison
In this assignment, students watch a three-minute video about Thomas Edison and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Thomas Edison was and his contributions to society.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Harriet Tubman
Write a Short Biography of Harriet Tubman
In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about Harriet Tubman and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Harriet Tubman was and how she helped shape the nation.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Celia Cruz
Write a Short Biography of Celia Cruz
In this assignment, students watch a two-minute video about Celia Cruz's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Celia Cruz became a successful entertainer.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):End with an Idea, Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Introduce Background & Topic, Connect Ending, Support with Reasons & EvidenceSTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- End with an Idea
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Introduce Background & Topic
- Connect Ending
- Support with Reasons & Evidence
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Write a Short Biography of Laura Ingalls Wilder
In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about Laura Ingalls Wilder and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about Laura Ingalls Wilder and her contributions to American literature.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Abigail Adams
Write a Short Biography of Abigail Adams
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Abigail Adams and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Abigail Adams was and how she fought for women's rights in the United States.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Abraham Lincoln
Write a Short Biography of Abraham Lincoln
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Abraham Lincoln and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Abraham Lincoln was and how he led the country through the Civil War.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Anne Hutchinson
Write a Short Biography of Anne Hutchinson
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Anne Hutchinson's life and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Anne Hutchinson came to the Americas as a colonist in search of religious freedom.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of César Chávez
Write a Short Biography of César Chávez
In this assignment, students watch a three-minute video about César Chávez and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Cesar Chavez brought national attention to the plight of farmworkers.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (4):Elaborate (Narr), End with an Idea, Choose Words Carefully, Introduce Background & TopicSTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Elaborate (Narr)
- End with an Idea
- Choose Words Carefully
- Introduce Background & Topic
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Sacajawea
Write a Short Biography of Sacajawea
In this assignment, students watch a four-minute video about Sacajawea and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Sacajawea was and how she helped explore the American frontier.
Note: This video contains a brief mention of Sacajawea being married to a man at the age of 11.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Write a Short Biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In this assignment, students watch a six-minute video about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was and how he led the Civil Rights Movement.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of George Washington Carver
Write a Short Biography of George Washington Carver
In this assignment, students watch a five-minute video about George Washington Carver and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who George Washington Carver was and his contributions to science.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Rosa Parks
Write a Short Biography of Rosa Parks
In this assignment, students watch a three-minute video about Rosa Parks and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who Rosa Parks was and how she contributed to the Civil Rights Movement.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of the Wright Brothers
Write a Short Biography of the Wright Brothers
In this assignment, students watch a three-minute video about Wilbur and Orville Wright and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about who the Wright brothers were and their invention of the airplane.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (6):Begin a Narrative, Elaborate (Narr), Choose Words Carefully, Summarize Text/Topic, Develop Beginning/Middle/End, Introduce the StorySTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Begin a Narrative
- Elaborate (Narr)
- Choose Words Carefully
- Summarize Text/Topic
- Develop Beginning/Middle/End
- Introduce the Story
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Sonia Sotomayor
Write a Short Biography of Sonia Sotomayor
In this assignment, students watch a two-minute video about Justice Sonia Sotomayor and then write a Short Biography. Students use details from the video to support their writing and learn more about how Sonia Sotomayor became a Supreme Court Justice.
Duration: 30–45 minutes
SKILLS (4):Choose Words Carefully, Introduce Background & Topic, Add Meaning (Info), Support with Reasons & EvidenceSTANDARDS:W.3-5.3.d, , W.3-5.3.bFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Choose Words Carefully
- Introduce Background & Topic
- Add Meaning (Info)
- Support with Reasons & Evidence
Standards in this Assignment
- W.3-5.3.d
- W.3-5.3.b
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Write a Short Biography of Ada Lovelace
Write a Short Biography of Ada Lovelace
In this assignment, students watch a short documentary about Ada Lovelace'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 LogicSTANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.dFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Use Reliable Sources
- Check Spelling & Punctuation
- Follow the Prompt
- Stay on Topic
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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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Write a Short Biography of Garrett Morgan
Write a Short Biography of Garrett Morgan
In this assignment, students watch a two minute documentary about Garrett Morgan'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 LogicSTANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.dFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Use Reliable Sources
- Check Spelling & Punctuation
- Follow the Prompt
- Stay on Topic
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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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Write a Short Biography of Claudette Colvin
Write a Short Biography of Claudette Colvin
In this assignment, students watch a two and a half minute documentary about Claudette Colvin'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 LogicSTANDARDS:W.9-12.4, W.9-12.5, W.9-12.1.dFORMAT:Short ResponseSkills in this Assignment
- Use Reliable Sources
- Check Spelling & Punctuation
- Follow the Prompt
- Stay on Topic
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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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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.