Overview

This 4-day Language Arts and Technology project guides Logan, an 8th-grade homeschool student, through selecting, researching, analyzing, and comparing 2–4 anime characters using Google Slides. The project aligns with Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts (ELA), focusing on reading comprehension, research, writing, multimedia presentation, and speaking skills.

---

Standards Alignment

• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.8.3: Analyze how particular lines of dialogue or incidents contribute to the development of the story or characters.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas clearly.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.4: Present claims and findings, sequencing ideas logically and using pertinent descriptions, facts, and details.
• CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6: Acquire and use grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases.

---

Project Components

• Printable/Digital Guided Worksheet for Research & Organization
• Project Checklist & Rubric
• Daily 4-Day Lesson Plan
• Key Vocabulary List (Anime-related terms)
• Sample Character Comparison Chart Template
• Public Speaking, Family Engagement & Slide Design Tips

---

Printable/Digital Guided Worksheet

Step 1: Character Selection

• Choose 2 to 4 anime characters from different series.
• Write their names, series, and one fact you already know.

Step 2: Research

• Find basic info: character's background, personality traits, and story arcs.
• List two sources (book, article, video, or website).
• Write 3 important facts about each character.

Step 3: Note-Taking & Organizing

• Use the sample comparison chart (provided) to list similarities and differences.
• Organize your notes by personality, background, story arc, and special abilities.

Step 4: Building Google Slides

• Create 4-6 slides.
• Slide 1: Title, your name, project name.
• Slide 2-3: Character summaries with images.
• Slide 4: Comparison chart with key similarities and differences.
• Optional slides: Visuals or quotes.

Step 5: Writing a Reflection

• Write 3-4 sentences on what you learned.
• What surprised you about the characters?
• Which character do you relate to the most and why?

Space for Notes and Images

• Leave sections on each step for Logan to write notes and indicate space to paste pictures or screenshots.

---

Project Checklist & Rubric

Category	Excellent (4)	Good (3)	Fair (2)	Needs Improvement (1)
Character Research	Thorough info with 3+ sources	Good info with 2 sources	Limited info, 1 source	Minimal or no research
Note Organization	Clear, detailed, well organized	Mostly organized with some detail	Partially organized or unclear	Disorganized or incomplete notes
Slide Quality & Layout	Visually attractive and clear	Organized but some errors	Basic layout, limited visuals	Poorly designed or confusing
Vocabulary Use	Accurate use of anime terms & descriptive language	Mostly correct use	Few terms used or misused	No vocabulary use
Reflection	Thoughtful, insightful writing	Basic reflection	Limited personal insight	No reflection or off-topic
Presentation Skills (if applicable)	Confident, clear, engaging	Clear but less confident	Some hesitation or unclear	Not understandable or unprepared

---

4-Day Lesson Plan

Day	Activities & Prompts	Time Allocation (mins)
Day 1	Select Characters & Begin Research - Discuss anime series and character choices - Fill out character selection on worksheet - Start note-taking on personality/background	4
Day 2	Complete Research & Organize Notes - Research story arcs and special abilities - Use comparison chart to list similarities & differences - Prepare notes for slides	4
Day 3	Create Google Slides Presentation - Build title slide and character summary slides - Insert images and notes from research - Create comparison chart slide	4
Day 4	Write Reflection & Practice Presentation - Write reflection paragraph on worksheet - Review vocabulary and use terms - Practice presenting content aloud (even if just to an adult)	4

---

Vocabulary List: Anime Terms

Term	Definition (Logan to fill)
Anime
Manga
Protagonist
Antagonist
Story Arc
Character Traits
Voice Actor
Genre
Manga vs. Anime
Fan Service

---

Sample Comparison Chart Template

Category	Character 1	Character 2	Character 3 (optional)	Notes on Similarities/Differences
Background
Personality Traits
Story Arc
Special Abilities
Motivations

(Logan can create this as a slide or a sheet in Google Slides/Sheets.)

---

Tips for Success

Public Speaking

• Practice speaking slowly and clearly.
• Use note cards with bullet points — don’t read slides word-for-word.
• Make eye contact with your audience (family members if presenting at home).
• Share one interesting fact or opinion about a character to sound more engaging.

Family Engagement

• Invite family members to watch or listen to your presentation.
• Ask family for feedback on your clear speaking or slide design.
• Discuss favorite anime or characters with family — this builds interest.

Slide Design

• Use large font sizes (24+ pt) for readability.
• Include high-quality images of characters (official artwork preferred).
• Keep slides uncluttered with 3-5 bullet points or less each.
• Use consistent colors and fonts for a professional look.
• Limit animations to avoid distraction.

---

Final Notes

This project integrates research, writing, technology, and oral presentation in an engaging, relevant way that meets multiple 8th-grade CCSS ELA standards. It encourages critical thinking about character development and presentation skills that prepare Logan for future academic tasks.