My Hero
The art component of this thematic unit may incorporated either as an into or beyond activity in regards to the lesson, but really depends on the discretion of the teacher. Students will need access to a computer in order to complete this art component.
Objectives:
Creating the environment to select hero role models in the classroom
Creating student hero art
Resources/Materials:
Internet: http://myhero.com/go/home.asp
Art Supplies
Activities and Procedures:
Creating the Environment to Select Hero Role Models in the Classroom
A. Definition of a Hero
1. Have students find the words to define a hero’s characteristics: courageous, valorous, indefatigable, bold,
inventive, caring, responsible, committed, dedicated, focused, persistent, pro-active, triumphant, inspirational.
2. Discuss the concept of heroism: creates life forming values for the individual and for society as a whole; creates community; illustrates hope; provides role modeling for each individual to realize the hero within himself.
B. Discuss and Create Different Categories for Heroes
1. Personal Heroes - Family members, Mentors, Teachers, Coaches
2. Community Heroes - Doctors, Social Activists, Local Environmentalists, Firemen
3. Global Heroes - Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Bill Gates, AnneFrank
4. Environmental Heroes - Wangari Maathai, Al Gore, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Rachel Carson
5. Scientists, Engineers, Inventors - Marie Curie, Thomas Alva Edison, Doctors Without Borders
6. Business Heroes - Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Stan O’ Neal, Paul Newman
7. Political Heroes - Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, LechWalesa, Eleanor Roosevelt
8. Religious Heroes - Dalai Lama, Elie Weisel, Mother Teresa
9. Artist Heroes - Frank Gehry, Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Michelangelo, Mozart
10. Women Heroes - Rosa Parks, Georgia O’Keeffe, Mother Jones
11. Angel Heroes - Anne Frank, Paul Rusesabagina, Dan Eldon
12. Sports Heroes - Magic Johnson, Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali
13. Other Heroes- nominated by students themselves
C. Create Requirements that Every Hero Must Meet
1. A preconceived benevolent goal
2. A moment of decision
3. The conscious acceptance of the consequences of a heroic act
4. The determination to follow through
5. Self-sacrifice
D. Distinguish between Heroes and Celebrities; between Heroism and Fame
1. Inspirational lives vs. pop icons
2. Lifetime achievement vs. Andy Warhol’s “15 Minutes of Fame”
3. Real life heroes vs. comic book super heroes
Creating Student Hero Art - Steps for Students to Follow
1. Choose and Research your hero.
2. Identify Five traits that qualify your hero as a role model.
3. Find photographs, biographical information, Inspirational quotes.
4. Complete your hero art (Sketch, Collage, PowerPoint, Poem, etc.)
5. Prepare all hero art works to be digitally photographed.
6. Upload your hero art to the MY HERO Virtual Art Gallery.
7. Prepare a summary to explain why your personal hero was selected