Utopia Project Utopia was an imaginary island described by Sir Thomas More in the 14th century which was to be a perfect community. Utopia’s government and social customs were all designed to ensure the fulfillment and happiness of its people. Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, is part of a long literary tradition in which writers attempt to describe the perfect society. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato probably envisioned the first Utopian society in Plato’s Republic, written 350 B.C.E.
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Utopia ProjectUtopia was an imaginary island described by Sir Thomas More in the 14th century which was to be a perfect community. Utopia’s government and social customs were all designed to ensure the fulfillment and happiness of its people. Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver, is part of a long literary tradition in which writers attempt to describe the perfect society. Ancient Greek philosopher Plato probably envisioned the first Utopian society in Plato’s Republic, written 350 B.C.E.
Describe the utopian society in this novel. What are some of the problems of this
society? Have you read any other books that
describe a utopian society? Do you think it is possible to successful in
creating such a world?
The Giver
Some examples from American history include the Oneida Community, the Shakers, the Harmonists, and Brook Farm. Some modern American utopian communities include Victory City, Utopian States, and The Principality of New Utopia.Other links to browse:
Utopia: Wikipedia Dystopia New Harmony The Shakers
Our country is in decline and will soon face extinction. Your group has been chosen to create a plan for an ideal community. Your group will present this plan to the class as if you are trying to recruit your classmates as colonists to your utopian community.
The Task
Each group member will be responsible for presenting one of the following subtopics:
: 1. Government and Values 2. Family, 3. Education and Careers4. Technology and Location
Process
Steps 1. Students will use the sites provided to research their subtopic.
2. Students will make note cards to help with oral presentation.
3. Students will prepare a minimum of four slides for their presentation that include pictures and engaging graphics.
4. Students will document sources for resources, photos, and music using either Citationmachine.net, Citationmachine.com, or easybib.com. In addition to a Works Cited page, there will be a parenthetical citation included with each slide.
In your perfect world what would be the ideal family?
How will families be formed? Who will decide who marries whom and who has
children? How many children will be allowed in each family? Who will care for the children? Where? Who will care for the elderly? Where? Think of at least one original family ritual that all
families of your community will observe (like celebrating Christmas with presents and a tree).
In your perfect world what would be the ideal way to learn? Describe your school.
What age will students pursue their education? Describe the school building (or location). What will be taught, with what tools, and by
whom? Will girls and boys be treated differently? Who chooses what career each member of the
community will pursue and how is it chosen? How long must citizens have the same job?
3. Education and Careers:
Student compiled History of American Education: Contains many images. The History of American Education Misunderstood Minds
BBC NEWS | Middle East | Muslim girls struggle for education Some traditional interpretations of Islam mean access to education for Arab ... Emphasis on female education in the Arab world is lacking almost altogether ... Open Progressive School
Describe the level of technology for your community.
Will your community have futuristic technology or go back to simpler times?
What methods of transportation will be used? What about communication? What will be your community’s source of energy? Describe your community layout and location.
(For example: Our community will be one large building … located on an island in the Pacific Ocean.)
4. Technology/Location:
Resources Timeline of Transportatio
n Technology from Wikipedia
Innovative Transportation Technologies: Contains some new ideas for transportation
Hydrogen Fuel Cells: Basic information about how hydrogen fuel cells work
Cars of the Future Robotic Pets Future For All: What's
Coming?
Future Energy Sources What is Nanotechnology?
Cities of the Future Energy links Chevy Fuel Cell Nuclear Power Energy Sources: check
left margin Innovative Transportation Coolest communication d
All groups will present their findings to the class by means of a PowerPoint presentation supported by each team member’s detailed explanation of his/her subtopic.
1. The team presentation will be at least eight minutes long. 2. Each member will speak about his/her individual subtopic. 3. Students will be graded on final powerpoint presentation.
Notebook entry 61: Define “Utopia” and cite examples of it from The Giver
Meet with group to assign roles and share initial ideas
Exit slip with definition of “Utopia”
Day 1:
Go to my web page and open up “Utopia Powerpoint”
Notebook entry 62: select two sources from the Utopia Powerpoint that relate to your subtopic questions. Take Cornell Notes for essential question: What are some ideas for my Utopia?
On an exit card, write several ideas from each source
Day 2:
Create Powerpoint ◦ Save it as “Utopia”◦ Title first page “Works Cited”◦ Cite two sources using:
If the citation website doesn’t recognize the URL address, then you need to put in specific information such as author (last name, first name),article title, website name, date published or revised, and URL address.