Welcome, Historians!

Have you ever enjoyed a book from the Harry Potter series?  Do you like books about magic and heroes?  If so, you may be one of millions of J.K. Rowling’s fans!  J.K. Rowling is a famous children’s book author who has touched the lives of millions of children.  She has had a great impact on our society (children in particular) and she is an important figure to discuss as we continue to talk about our Big Idea of “Power Leads to Change.”  So, how much do you know about J.K. Rowling?  What questions do you have in regards to her life, her career as an author, and her impact on her readers?  By the end of your research you will have hopefully learned more about this important author – and you may just find the urge to pick up one of her great books! 
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It’s time to get started.  Read below to discover your first task and resources.

​Task 1 – Create a K/W/L Chart

What do you already know about J.K. Rowling and her books?  What questions do you have about her life and accomplishments?  To share your thoughts before research, start a K/W/L chart about J.K. Rowling.  You will return to this chart at the end of each new task.  So, keep it handy in your box.  Remember, today we will only be able to fill out the Know and Want to Know areas.
To help you get started, watch this short video on J.K. Rowling:
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9GsP3MaRxk

Task 2 – Explore Resources and Gather Notes for Timeline 

Today you will start to take notes on the important events in the life of J.K. Rowling.  You must have at least 6-10 events for your timeline.  When you take notes, you only need to write down the important information- your notes DO NOT need to be in complete sentences. You will return to these notes to create your timeline, so keep them handy in your box.  This part of your research should take more than one day.  Just remember to look back over notes each day before you begin your research again.
 
To learn more about J.K. Rowling, check out these websites below.  Click on each blue link to travel to the site.
 
J.K. Rowling Biography  
http://www.jkrowling.com/en_US/#/about-jk-rowling
J.K. Rowling Biography  
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/j-k-rowling
J.K. Rowling Interviews
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pig7DhMqfG4
J.K. Rowling Books
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1077326.J_K_Rowling
 
When you have finished taking your notes, return to your K/W/L Chart to see if you have found the answer to any of your questions.
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When you are ready, you can move on to Task 3.

Task 3 – Planning Your Timeline 

Today you will start to order and compile your notes on J.K. Rowling in order to create a timeline.  Your timeline should tell about the major events in the life of J.K. Rowling.  Use the planning sheet to put the important events in chronological order.  Be sure to include as much of the date as possible. Remember to keep all of your materials in your box.  

Task 4 – Creating a Timeline

Today you will use your notes to create a timeline of J.K. Rowling life.  Use the Timeline Worksheet to fill in important events from J.K. Rowling life.  There may not be enough boxes to use ALL of your events.  So, make sure to choose the events that you feel are the most important.  Each event on the timeline should include a date, a description of the event, and a picture. Your pictures may be a combination of hand drawn and printed from the internet. 
Finished Early? 
Did you finish a part of today’s assignment early?  If so, you have time to check out one of these activities.  They are all about J.K. Rowling and her books.  Enjoy!
 
Print out this Harry Potter crossword puzzle
http://www.archjrc.com/childsplace/images/harrypottercross.gif
Print out this Harry Potter word search
http://www.archjrc.com/childsplace/images/harrypotterseek.gif