Bucket List, with a Twist

Step 1

Brainstorm activities for TWO lists: the first should be of exciting things that you always wanted to do and have now done; the second list should be of equally exciting things that you have not yet done but want to do before you die.

Here is an example from my Bucket List. Print and complete the Step 1: Brainstorm list from the resources section below.

       Cool Things I Have Done                           Cool Things I Want to Do

         backpack through Europe                                       climb Mt. Kilamanjaro                  

         own a sailboat                                                         learn to surf in Hawaii                    

         snorkel in the keys                                                   live on the beach                           

�        Creating a Bucket List: http://www.squidoo.com/100things

�        100 Things to Do Before You Die: http://brass612.tripod.com/cgi-bin/things.html

�        1,000 Places to See Before You Die: http://www.1000beforeyoudie.com/

�        Travel Channel�s Places & Trips: http://www.travelchannel.com/

Step 2

Now that you have a complete list of things you have done and other things you still want to do, select ONE thing from EACH LIST to present to the class in your PowerPoint.

Step 3

Using the Internet, research information about the activity you have done as well as the one you still want to do. When researching these activities, you should consider on the following:

�        What is the activity? You may have chosen an activity that not everyone knows about, so give us some details.

�        Who can do this activity? Perhaps not everyone can do this activity. Is special training, equipment, guidance, or a license required? Is this a solo or group activity?

�        Where is this activity done? We may not be familiar with the places where people can do this activity, so describe the setting using vivid language and images. Is this activity done indoors or outdoors? Can it be done anywhere or only in particular places? Is the place accessible to everyone or is special permission or membership required?

�        When is this activity done? If your activity requires certain climate conditions, such as snow, what time of year can it be done? Can the activity be done only during daylight or nighttime hours? Is the activity a special event that happens only certain times�or even once in a lifetime?

�        How much does this activity cost? It is often said that the best things in life are free, but this adage may not apply to your activity. Is this activity free? Are the costs prohibitive for the average person? How much does the activity cost in time? In effort? What are the hidden costs�such as risk to one�s health or life?

�        What other important or interesting information do you want to share? I would want to know why you want to do this activity. What about the activity appeals to you? Was it a childhood dream or something you discovered as an adult?

Step 4

Now that you have researched information about your activity, find pictures that will enhance your PowerPoint presentation. Following are some sites where you can look for pictures:

�        Google Images: http://images.google.com/

�        Yahoo Images: http://images.search.yahoo.com/

�        Flickr: http://flickr.com/

Step 5

Write a short essay about the TWO activities on your Bucket List, using information you gathered in your research. Following are the minimum guidelines for the essay portion of this project:

�       Write a minimum of 3 paragraphs�an introduction, a body, and a conclusion�although I suspect you will need more paragraphs to describe your activities.

�        Use your own words and sentences when describing the activity. If you do not use your own words, the writing will be considered plagiarized and you will receive a failing grade.

�        Use at least 3 examples each of the following grammar structures: past tense, past progressive, present tense, present progressive, and future tense.

�        Underline the grammar examples you want graded.

�        Type your essay: double-space, one-inch margins on all sides, 12 point Times New Roman font.

�        Submit your essay on time, which will be the day of your PowerPoint presentation.

Step 6

Now it�s time to present the information about the TWO activities on your Bucket List to the class. Your PowerPoint presentation should be 3 to 5 minutes long and must include relevant visuals.

This is your chance to share with us what you have done as well as what you have learned about something you have yet to achieve on your Bucket List. Make your presentation interesting! Who knows? Maybe some of us will want to add your activity to our Bucket Lists.

Image Credit: www.yobazzip.com/.../09/the_bucket_list.html