THE BUILD YOUR OWN HERO (BYOH) KIT Language Arts Gr.

7-9
Created by: Megan Anderson Outcomes: Read the BYOH kit first to get a better sense of the many skills and outcomes that this project involves. Also note that the Assessment Guide is built-in. Students will: Recognize personal goals and strengths Brainstorm and plan a project before completing it Discuss and share ideas as a group Be exposed to new visual elements: colour choices & stereotypes Be exposed to new literary devices: hyperbole & onomatopoeia Be exposed to symbolism and how it works Learn how to combine many elements of characterization Experiment with persuasive writing in a basic advertisement Use rubrics and marking guides to inform their work Time Required: Varies depending on ability level. This was a 2.5 week major assignment for my Grade 7 class (factoring in silent reading time and other minor assignments). If you plan on letting students colour their heroes, and build their packages in class, add extra time. I assigned these tasks as homework. Supplies:
Blank Cubeecraft Template: http://1madhatter.deviantart.com/art/cubeecraft-template-83751909 Cubeecraft Superman: http://www.cubeecraft.com/cubee/superman

I printed the BYOH packages on 11x17 paper using the booklet setting on the copier I printed the blank template and superman template on double sided 8.5x11 The coloured templates can be copied onto medium weight photo paper/card stock o cubeecraft.com recommends 110lb paper o colour copying on heavier paper might be easier at a copy shop Artist/Drafters knife for cutting the slots (you may have to do this for younger students)

Introduction: I had a Hero Show-n-Tell with my students. They brought in heroes that they found in comic books, movie and video game cases, posters, action figures, etc. We discussed the objectives and super powers of these characters, how they were portrayed visually, and why we liked them. The students set up a display of hero paraphernalia to inspire their work. I also loaded cubeecraft.com on the Smartboard and navigated the site with my class so that they could see some exemplars for what we were working toward.

Using The BYOH Kit: We worked through each section of the booklet as a class. The most important thing to do is provide lots of examples. I had students share their ideas out loud constantly to help get my less creative students started. For STEP 3 I sent students home to find definitions for the literary and visual devices. The next day we shared and discussed our definitions and came up with a class-friendly answer to write in the booklets. ***My students used pencil to fill in their booklets so that they could erase and revise their answers. I provided formative feedback after STEPS 1-4 because they heavily affect the rest of the project. Using The Blank Template: FIRST: Print, cut, and assemble one of the characters on cubeecraft.com so that you know what you are getting yourself into! I INSISTED (over and over x3) that my students lightly sketch their heroes onto the templates using pencil. This way I could catch an upside-down face or backwards body before they were coloured so. Some students will really struggle with thinking in 3D. I addressed this by labelling a template in front of the class my matching each part up to an already assembled Cubeecraft character. They labelled all of the facets on the template and added directional arrows. They also had a printed out Superman template to refer to. This is the worst part, but trust me, the outcome is worth it! I photocopied the coloured templates onto cardstock and had work experience students cut all the slots using artists knives. The rest of the template was cut out in class as a step-by-step process. Emphasize the importance of NOT cutting off any of the little tabs! If a disaster should occur, you will still have the original coloured template to copy again. Students can use a ruler to help them fold their template along all of the lines. After that, assembly gets a bit tedious. Have them try their best but expect to provide LOTS of help. Glue or tape isnt necessary to hold the heroes together so long as the slots and tabs are all in good shape and the folds are made carefully. Hope You Enjoy! Megan Anderson http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/

Share Ferociously! 2011 Megan Anderson http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/

Share Ferociously! 2011 Megan Anderson http://textbookslayer.tumblr.com/

INTRO A MYSTERIOUS PACKAGE ARRIVES IN THE MAIL...

HMMM... WHAT IS A BYOH KIT ANYWAY?

Well! If you havent heard already, custom heroes are THE rage this season! After all, how are we all supposed to agree on what makes a true hero? Theres hero potential in you, too. Yes, YOU! (No, not that guy sitting behind you... YOU). And what good is a hero without a corresponding action figure? Thats why we created the:

BUILD YOUR OWN HERO KIT!

Heres what were going to do:

HOW DOES IT WORK?

BRAINSTORM A HERO IDENTITY Create an AWESOME 3D cut-and-fold model for your future action figure Design a FLASHY package to advertise your heroic qualities
Well? What are you just sitting there for?! GET TO IT!!!

OKAY!

STEP 1 EVERY HERO HAS A MISSION LIKE EATING A RECORD NUMBER OF GRILLED CHEESE SAMMIES?
Uh, NO! Think Superman here: His mission is to protect all mankind. Heroes might fight criminals, solve mysteries, or set records but underneath it all is a mission:

SOMETHING HE WANTS TO PROVE TO HIMSELF SOMETHING SHE WANTS OFFER THE WORLD

Thats a good mission for the comic books but this is YOU were talking about! What do YOU want to prove to yourself? What would YOU like to do for the world?

OH! LIKE FIGHTING ALIENS??

USE THE PLANNER ON THE NEXT PAGE TO COME UP WITH 2 REAL LIFE MISSIONS...

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SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO PROVE TO MYSELF:

ie) A lifetime achievement, overcoming a fear, finding a new way to believe in yourself, learning something new...

2 MARKS EACH
1 = Complete Sentence 1 = Realistic Choice

/2
THE MAIN INGREDIENT IS COURAGE!

SOMETHING THAT I WANT TO OFFER THE WORLD:

ie) Protecting the environment, helping those in need, sharing a talent, fixing a problem in your community...

/2

ILL NEED SPECIAL POWERS, TOO!

STEP 2 ADDING SOME SPECIAL TO YOUR POWERS

The heroes we see in comics and movies often have superhuman powers that give them courage under pressure. However, the writers and artists that create these powers often base them to real human qualities so that we can relate to our heroes.

Im strong I LIKE TO BUILD

IM A MAN OF STEEL IM A GENIUS INVENTOR

USE THE HERO-METER TO TURN YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES INTO SPECIAL POWERS THAT WILL HELP YOU COMPLETE YOUR HEROIC MISSIONS.
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Your super powers should help you achieve the heroic missions that you outlined in STEP 1. Try not to choose super powers that are already belong to a well known super-hero like Superman.

HERO .
MY PERSONAL QUALITY
I am good at solving problems. I am a quiet person.

METER
SUPER POWER

2 MARKS EACH

I am a super detective! I have incredible stealth!

1 = Each Personal Quality Super Power

1 = Each Power Supports Your Mission

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STEP 3 TOOL TIME

Now that youve identified your heroic mission and special powers its time to infuse them into your action figure... Those dont sound very reliable and we dont want you coming out with tentacles. (Unless of course you DO want tentacles... no offense meant!)

WITH A MAGIC POTION! OR A HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH!

Lets use some of the same strategies that WRITERS & COMIC book artists use to characterize their heroes.

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Writers and artists use lots of different tools to create the heroes that we love as comic books, movies, and even action figures. Here are some VERY useful tools...

THE ARTIST

The Writer

COLOUR CHOICES
We link colours to certain feelings or ideas. Batman wears black because dark colours make us think of the night, darkness, and fear. He puts fear in the hearts of criminals!

HYPERBOLE
DEFINITION:________________________

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

Superman is faster than a speeding bullet!

STEREOTYPES
DEFINITION:________________________

ONOMATOPOEIA
DEFINITION:___________________

________________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

Clark Kent wears glasses to hide his identity as Superman. Secretly he has x-ray eyes but people stereotype glasses as being nerdy!

______________________________ ________________________________ ________________________________

*SOCK* *POW* *WHAMEE* *HISS* *BAM* Sound effects can be used to animate action in a comic OR accessorize an action figure!

SYMBOLISM
DEFINITION:___________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________
Captain America has red, white, and blue star on his shield as a symbol of America. He is very patriotic and serves his country. Artists and writers both use symbolism.

2 MARKS PER DEFINITION

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STEP 4 ACTION FIGURE (IT OUT)

Use this section of the planner to help other people understand your heroic mission and special powers from STEPS 1-2.

USE AT LEAST ONE COLOUR CHOICE, STEREOTYPE, SYMBOL IN THE PLANNER BELOW. THESE DETAILS SHOULD RELATE TO YOUR HEROIC MISSIONS AND SPECIAL POWERS. ARTISTS TOOL PHYSICAL FEATURES (2)
ie) Hot pink hair Colour Choice I am proud to be unique. Hot pink hair really stands out.

WHAT THIS SAYS ABOUT ME

COSTUME & ACCESSORIES (2)

ie) Lion pendant ie) Thick framed glasses Symbol Stereotype Lions are a symbol of courage. I want the courage to stand up against bullying in my school. I want my character to be a genius. Thick framed glasses are a stereotype for nerdy people.

2 MARKS EACH

= Describe character trait = Identify artists tool 1 = Character Trait relates to your heroic mission or special powers

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Now plan some other features that you will add to your action figure to help other people learn more about who you are in real life.

DESCRIBE EACH DETAIL AND EXPLAIN WHAT IT TELLS OTHERS ABOUT THE REAL YOU. PHYSICAL FEATURES , FACIAL EXPRESSION, COSTUME & ACCESSORIES (3)
ie) Dental braces ie) Pair of drumsticks In real life I have braces. This is how people will tell that my action figure is me! I want people to know that I am a great drummer.

2 MARKS EACH
1 = Feature 1 = Feature tells others something about the REAL you

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FINALLY! THE BEST PART:TURNING YOURSELF INTO A 3D ACTION FIGURE!

WHERE DID THIS AWESOME IDEA COME FROM?!

Making 3D characters out of paper is called CUBEECRAFT (keeoob-ee craft). Chris Beaumont started creating 3D video game, television, and other popular characters in 2007. Chris shares his cubees for free online and has fans worldwide. The template we are using is based on the one that Chris shares for free on his site.

http://www.cubeecraft.com/
Spider man (MARVEL COMICS) designed here by chris beaumont >

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STEP 5 Dream, draw, fold!

This is the best part but it is also tricky! Thinking in 3D means really paying attention to details and where they go on your template.

5.0 - READ THE RUBRIC ALERT (BELOW) FIRST! THIS WILL TELL YOU WHAT IS EXPECTED. 5.1 - Look at SOME FINISHED TEMPLATES ON CUBEECRAFT BEFORE YOU GET STARTED o Superman, batman, captain America, buffy the vampire slayer o Print SUPERMAN OUT TO FOLLOW ALONG AS YOU DRAW YOUR HERO 5.2 - LOOK at the blank template and read each of the labels carefully 5.3 - USE A PENCIL TO DRAW YOUR CHARACTER DETAILS ON 5.4 - have a teacher double check that youve drawn the details in the right places

5.5 - DECORATE YOUR HERO HOWEVER YOU WANT: o Colour or paint o Add stickers or paste on some cut-outs

ACK! I dont want a foot where the head belongs!

5.6 - Photocopy the template onto cardstock or photo paper 5.7 - cut out the template and Be careful not to cut the tabs off 5.8 - get a teacher to help cut the slots using an artists knife 5.7 - fold along all of the fold marks on your template and then Fold the tabs into their corresponding slots

RUBRIC ALERT!!!
The rubric for evaluating your completed action figure can be found PAGE 11 of this package. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START!

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STEP 6 THE FULL PACKAGE DEAL

Youre probably patting yourself on the back right now, arent you? Well... YOU ARENT FINISHED YET! Get rid of that grin and lets create packaging for this 3D pocket hero of yours... It doesnt matter whether you create a poster, box, or pedestal! Create an advertisement that would convince other people want to buy your action figure because of his/her special powers and heroic missions! Be creative!

SUPPLIES YOU MIGHT WANT TO USE:

Shoe box plastic container freezer bag wide mouth jar poster board milk carton

Ill CHECK OUT A TOY STORE OR CATALOGUE TO GET SOME IDEAS!

SOME TYPES OF PACKAGING:

box or container Stage or pedestal Comic book page Advertising poster Sealable bag with a fold-over paper top Jar or bag with stickers on it Postcard advertisement Magazine/CATALOGUE advertisement

Here is a checklist of the items that you must include in your packaging. Remember, your goal is to create a PERSUASIVE advertisement that convinces other people to buy your action figure!

1 PARAGRAPH:
That introduces your hero name Identifies your 2 heroic missions Explains your super powers In 4-8 complete sentences Check for spelling and punctuation

You could include a photo of your assembled action figure!

3 visuals:
Use colour choices that reflect your heros costume Use bold text or art to make your hero name stand out Include at least 1 image or symbol related to your hero

2 Writers tools:
(Explained in STEP 3) Use a hyperbole to describe your hero Use an example of onomatopoeia

RUBRIC ALERT!!!
The rubric for evaluating your packaging is on Pg. 12 PAGE12. READ IT CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU START!
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CONCLUSION A hero is born!

That wasnt so bad was it? Especially considering that you were tricked into completing a school assignment at the same time!

WHAT?! THIS WAS SCHOOL WORK? IVE BEEN DUPED!

Dont be mad! Think of everything youve learned from this! Some personal goals that you have Hmmm... Some real-life strengths you have New visual tools: colour choices & stereotypes New literary devices: hyperbole & onomatopoeia How symbolism works How to combine many elements of characterization How to persuade people through an advertisement How to plan a project before you start it

I guess youre right! This was a lot of fun AND now I have my own personalized action figure! Thanks!

What I learned...
ie) New things that I learned about myself. Skills I used. What I liked and didnt like about this.

____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 2 marks

1 = At least 2 new things learned 1 = Complete sentences

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BYOH 3d ACTION FIGURE RUBRIC

4 HEROIC
ARTISTS TOOLS Colour Choice, Stereotypes, & Symbols (STEP 4)
4+ features have been added from the planner. Each clearly reflects the Heros mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

3 SUPER
4+ features have been added from the planner. Each somewhat reflects the Heros mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s)

2 OKAY
3-4 features have been added. Some reflect the Heros mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s) An Artists Tool may have been forgotten. 2-3 extra details have been added but some do not reflect the student in real life or relate to the hero.

1 NEEDS WORK
<3 features have been added and weakly reflect the Heros mission, powers, or personality: -Colour Choices -Stereotype(s) -Symbol(s) Artists Tools have been forgotten. <2 extra details have been added or details do not follow the expectations of the assignment. Sloppy colouring or design. Some features are drawn in the correct place. Not cut and folded properly.

Supporting Details (STEP 4)

3+ extra details have been added to strongly reflect the student in real life, or enhance the hero.

3+ extra details have been added to reflect the student in real life, or relate to the hero.

Quality & Care (STEP 5) All features are drawn

in the correct place. Cut and folded precisely.

All features are drawn in the correct place. Cut and folded properly.

Most features are drawn in the correct place. Cut and folded properly. The planning process was followed to create a hero with somewhat related missions and powers. May be based on an existing character. A slight connection is made between the heros mission and powers and the students real life goals and talents.

Overall Impression

The planning process was followed carefully to create a truly unique hero with meaningful missions and powers. A strong connection is made between the heros mission and powers and the students real-life goals and talents.

The planning process was followed carefully to create a mostly unique hero with related missions and powers. Some connection is made between the heros mission and powers and the students real life goals and talents.

Missions and powers are not related (or) are strongly based on an existing character. The hero is violent or breaks expectations of the assignment. A weak connection is made between the hero and the students real life goals and talents.

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BYOH ACTION FIGURE PACKAGING RUBRIC

4 HEROIC
PARAGRAPH (STEP 6)
4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -Thoroughly explain both heroic missions -Powerfully describe main super powers -Ideas are organized

3 SUPER
4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -Generally explain both heroic missions -Describe main super powers -Ideas are mostly organized

2 OKAY
4-8 complete sentences: -Identify the hero -1-2 details might be missing from the missions or powers -Ideas are somewhat organized

1 NEEDS WORK
Lacks complete sentence or paragraph format Missing 2 or more details from the missions or powers Ideas are disorganized or lack development

WRITERS TOOLS Hyperbole & Onomatopoeia (STEPS 3, 6)

Both Hyperbole and Onomatopoeia have been used properly and emphasize the hero. Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create a unique and eye-catching display -Meaningfully reflect the heros qualities -The package is well organized and carefully assembled

Both Hyperbole and Onomatopoeia have been used properly and relate to the hero.

Either Hyperbole or Onomatopoeia has not been used properly and/or one does not relate to the hero. Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create an effective display -Somewhat reflect the heros qualities -The package is somewhat organized and carefully assembled -An element might be missing

Neither Hyperbole nor Onomatopoeia has been used properly and neither relate to the hero.

VISUALS (STEP 6)

Colour, text art, images, and symbols are present and: -Create an attractive display -Mostly reflect the heros qualities -The package is mostly organized and carefully assembled

Display is sloppy or disorganized A weak connection is made between the hero and the packaging 2 or more elements are missing Violent or inappropriate content is used Written and visual elements do not meet expectations or lack care. Advertisement is not persuasive and does not reflect the hero.

Overall Impression

Both written and visual elements create a unique and very persuasive advertisement that meaningfully reflects the hero.

Both written and visual elements create a persuasive advertisement that reflects the hero.

Some written and visual elements create a mildly persuasive advertisement somewhat reflects the hero.

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PLANNING EXERCISES
Heroic Missions (p.3) Hero Meter (p.4) Tool Definitions (p.6) Artists Tools (p.6) Extra Detail Planner (p.7) What I Learned (p.10) /4 /6 /8 /8 /6 /2

RUBRICS ACTION FIGURE

PACKAGING

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/16

/16

TOTAL:
Other Comments:

/66

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