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Period: to
Development
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Hero Discussions Begin
We view video of Wesley Autrey, Subway Hero. Thoughts turn to Doctor Who until I remember that it has to be a real person. -
First Chapter Friday and Roy Benavidez
Read part of McCain's book and learn about Vietnam hero Roy Benavidez. At this point, my definition of a hero is more refined: one who sacrifices personal want and need for that of others or of mankind as a whole. Started considering Tariq Ramadan as my subject, but figured he was too closely tied to Islam: possible controversy could arise. -
In-class Interview Video
Watch interview with Christi Quillen, Peace Corps member. Realize two critical things. First, the sacrifice of everyday comforts can count towards the hero requirements: definition of hero becomes really loose. Second, understand that there are plenty of sources to use for interview. -
Enter Galileo
I was thinking of people in history who stand out and for whom I can interview people. After a while, realized that the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment had many who some consider heros and who really stand out, and that out of them, no one gave up more than Galileo, who was willing to go against the Catholic Church and risk execution. -
Library Selections
Selected two books about Galileo. By the end of this project, wil only have read one. The other, "Galileo's Daughter", is still not returned to the library. -
Verify Choice
I verify with Mrs. Allen that Galileo can be used. For me, my decision is set in stone. My goal was to find out wha else he did, having read just that day that Einstein called him the Father of Modern Science. -
Change the World PPT Part 1: Heroic Attributes
This day featured discussions on what type of heroes there are and what qualities they possess. I decided to search for such qualities in Galileo, thinking it would both strengthen my case and make great reading material for the essay. -
Change the World PPT Part 2: Heroic Momement Better Defined
Discussing forms and methods of the heroic act, usually when speaking against status quo and introducing new or unorthodox ideas. One example that stays in my mind is that of Hugh Laurie's "All We Gotta Do Is", where he spoke up against the complaining-without-know-how attitude of people in a song. Made me realize that a hero's contribution could be in several forms, and that Galileo's astronomical acheivements may be only the tip of his iceberg. -
Turn in Second Blog Post: Heroes in Literature
While this was perhaps the easiest post, I found it crucial for another reason. It made me realize that before this project, I knew of only two types of heroes- fictional, fighting ones, and historical, known-to-laymen ones. I was behind compared to what my dad and I consider the normal folks. -
Finish Book
Research book on Galileo finished, mostly that weekend. Realize that he was unorthodox and "heroic" in more than just astronomy. -
Prepare for Interview
I prepare for interview on the next day. By looking at recommended references, I learn that even in interviewing I have no idea how (simple) things are. -
Interview with Coach Patterson
I interview Coach Patterson, Worid History teacher, to understand the dynamics of The Europe Galileo lived in, and their impact on his work.
