This I Believe: A Mini-Project

Overview

The human brain is complex and is home to our most sacred thoughts and ideas. As we mature,
we experience new perspectives on life that continue to shape our beliefs. Whether we know it
or not, we all have a personal life philosophy. We all have values that guide our thoughts and
actions. The purpose of this project is for you to share your beliefs about life, people, or the world
in which we live. What do you believe?

Essential Questions

What is your personal life philosophy?
What evidence from your life supports this life philosophy?
How does your identity shape your life philosophy?

Objectives

To explore, reflect upon, and share your beliefs.
To listen and discuss the beliefs of others.
To develop personal essay writing skills.

Readings

The Absolute True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Excerpts from This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and
Women

Products

This I Believe personal essay that will be submitted to NPR
This I Believe sound recording that will be exhibited on an 11
th
grade project webpage
Art piece or symbol that represents your personal life philosophy. This will be exhibited
with your photograph and an excerpt from your personal essay.

Common Core Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.B, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.C ,CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.3.D

Challenge Options:
Audio Producer: We need at least one producer from each class to compile audio files
from all students. This person will ensure that all students have recorded their personal
essays in the sound booth.
Webpage Designer: We need one student to design a weebly webpage for our project
and audio files. One student from each class will also assist in uploading all audio files to
the website.


Tips to get started!

Read and listen to This I Believe essays at thisibelieve.org
Reflect on your personal life philosophy by talking with others.
Identify symbols or original images that will help convey your beliefs for your artistic
piece.
Mini Project Calendar

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
25

Project Launch
26


27

Team Hike




28


29
1

Labor Day-
No School
2

11th Grade Team
Building at La
Jolla Cove
3

Writing Workshop
Day
4

First Draft of TIB
Essay Due for
Peer and Teacher
Critique

Art Piece Draft
Due (Sketch or
Prototype)
5


8 9

Final Draft of TIB
Essay Due

4X6 Photograph
and Art Piece
Due

10






11 12