1. Statesman Ben

On January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Using a few resources, learn about his life and his accomplishments as a statesman, inventor and citizen. Then read an article about a modern issue in today's newspaper. Pretend you are Franklin. Based on what you have learned, write a letter to a friend about the issue, offering advice as Franklin might have.

Learning Standards: Using historical biographies to explain how events from the past affected the lives of individuals and how some individuals influenced the course of history; writing fluently for multiple purposes.

2. Outcault

Richard Felton Outcault was one of the first newspaper comic strip writer/illustrators, and is considered the inventor of the modern comic strip. Born on January 14, 1863, Outcault was an artist who did technical illustrations for inventor Thomas Edison and drawings for popular magazines before turning to comic strips. His comics weren't just humorous, but also commented on current events and politics. In the spirit of Richard Felton Outcault, go through the newspaper and draw your own comic strip commenting on something in the news.

Learning Standards: Identifying and using aspects of the craft of the speaker, writer and illustrator to formulate and express their ideas artistically; acquiring information from multiple sources.

3. MLK

January 18 is the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, a day when people across the country volunteer to help out their communities. Look through the newspaper and online to see what people are planning for this year's Day of Service. As a class, come up with a plan for how you, your class or your family could pitch in to help your school or neighborhood.

Learning Standards: Considering the effects of an individual's actions on other people, how one acts in accordance with the rule of law, and how one acts in a virtuous and ethically responsible way as a member of society; engaging in activities intended to contribute to solving a national or international problem studied.

4. Unclaimed

When a suitcase from an airplane flight isn't claimed, its contents sometimes wind up at the Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama. This giant store sells items from luggage no one ever picked up, including such things as books and clothes. The center also features a museum with some of the more unusual unclaimed items, including a violin from the 1770s. If you were going to set up a museum, what kind of museum would it be? In groups, use the newspaper for ideas to come up with a plan for a museum, including what exhibits it would feature. Design a poster or brochure advertising your museum.

Learning Standards: Focusing on meaning and communication while listening, speaking, viewing, reading and writing in personal, social, occupational and civic contexts; reading and writing fluently, speaking confidently, listening and interacting appropriately, viewing critically and representing creatively.

5. Heavyweight

Boxer George Foreman was born on January 10, 1949. In 1973, he became the professional heavyweight champion, but he lost the title to Muhammad Ali the following year. Foreman retired, but then returned to boxing in 1994, at age 45, and was able to reclaim the title and become the sport's oldest heavyweight champion. Look through the newspaper and online and find another example of a person who made a "comeback," or achieved success in something after multiple attempts. Write a short biography of the person and make a list of character traits you think the person has that helped him or her be successful.

Learning Standards: Responding to a variety of oral, visual, written and electronic texts by making connections to students' personal lives and the lives of others; writing fluently for multiple purposes.