Playing With Images as Information
Activity:
1. Ask students to open the Create a Story applet. Tell them to click on each of the empty cells on the storyline to read the story.
2. Ask students to select an image to go with each of the six parts of the story. Clicking on the small versions of the images brings up a larger version of the image for a more detailed look. If students have selected one part of the story, clicking on an image will put the words as a caption under the larger version of the story so they can determine if it is a good illustration. Clicking on USE THIS IMAGE brings the little version into the storyline. If students want to change their minds, they can simply drag the little "thumbnail" image back out of the storyline.
3. When students have selected six images, ask them to click on SEE MY STORY and add a title for their story and the name of the authors. If they are satisfied with the story, ask them to print it and staple it together to make either a booklet or a comic strip.
4. Class discussion: ask students which image they chose for the first panel. Discuss how this choice sets the protagonist for the story and determines the perspective for other choices, that is, whether it is told from the perspective of Native Americans or European settlers..
5. Continue asking for reasons why students chose each of the other pictures. Discuss how different pictures add to the meaning of each caption.
6. As whole class activity, make two versions of the story, one clearly from the Native American perspective and one clearly from the European settler perspective. Ask students to vote on pictures for each panel. Print out both versions and exhibit them as comic book panels so they can be compared with each other.