Providing a new twist on a traditional theme, this lesson asks students to explore the distinction between a hero and an idol. Students work collaboratively to define criteria for heroism and characteristics of heroes. Following introductory activities, students use a variety of resources to gather information about a modern day hero. Students assess their hero based on the criteria and characteristics developed by the class. The theme of heroism is examined in literary text as well. After hearing the poem Heroes We Never Name by M. Lucille Ford, students write journal entries applying the message of the poem to their own experiences. (author/ncl)

Because the focus of the lesson is writing about heroes, students can the select heroes who are, for example, early pioneers of the industry or field or current leaders of any of career field in which they are enrolled. Teachers can utilize this lesson plan as it stands in English classes to develop the concept of heroes, but should ask students to draw the relationships with their chosen CT program. Students in medical career fields might use Florence Nightingale as an example of an early hero. This could then be extended to researching current heroes in the industry. Students can use this information to gain an understanding of how their fields of study developed and how modern heroes are working to keep the field current and relevant. (dam)