George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair) Research Activity and Script Writing Project
- PDF
Description
Eric Arthur Blair (who wrote under the pseudonym George Orwell) was born on June 25, 1903. He was a famous English novelist, essayist and writing critic. He became known for his novels Animal Farm (1945) and Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949). Both books focus on an anti-utopian society and the dangers of totalitarian rule.
I don't know about you, but my students LOVE talking about their favorite movies and TV shows. This product is designed for students to work together to create a short movie script about George Orwell. They will research his life and the time period in which he lived and will write their script based on what they learned.
There are seven steps in this project-most need many class periods to complete.
- Introduction-introducing the project and students begin brainstorming.
- Research-students answer research questions about George Orwell and the time period in which he lived. They will learn about major events in his life, what the food was like during the time period, the clothing, setting and more.
- Character Profiles-students collaborate to create their characters. They talk about what they think George Orwell was like. They also create three supporting characters for their script.
- Script Outline-students work together to talk through the main points in a story outline (i.e. climax, rising and falling action, etc.)
- Writing the Script-students work in their groups to write their script. They are given a rubric and a "Script Writing Paper" which gives them ideas on how to get started and some points when writing a script.
- Movie Poster-students use their creativity to make the title for their movie, a tag line and a poster to 'advertise' for their movie.
- Pitch-students are given a rubric and they will 'pitch' their movie to the 'board of directors' (the class). They will present a portion of their script and try to persuade the group to vote for their movie to progress in the 'movie making process.'
This product includes:
- Teacher Directions-including prep info and materials needed
- Teacher procedure
- Teacher tips
- “Introduction” worksheet
- Research Packet
- “Character Profiles” Packet
- “Script Outline” worksheet
- “Writing a Script” and Ideas worksheet
- “Script Rubric”
- “Movie Poster” worksheet
- “Pitch Rubric”
- “Pitch Notes”
Materials Needed:
- Pencil
- Copy of “Introduction” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Research” Packet for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Character Profiles” Packet for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Script Outline” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Script Writing” Paper for each group (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Script Rubric” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Movie Poster” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Pitch Rubric” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Copy of “Pitch Notes” Paper for each student (INCLUDED)
- Ability to do research (computers, etc.)
- Optional: Coloring utensils
Want to teach your middle and high school students how to conduct good internet research using search engines and how to make citations? Check out this resource to use with this activity: How to Conduct Research and Citations.
Want to do this project about a different historical figure? Check out this product, which allows you to choose a character or time period for your students!
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