What Makes a Hero?
Recommended For: Ages 11 and up
Badges: Space & the Future, Artist in Space
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Download this activity as a PDF - no electricity needed.
Heroes are often the central figures in science fiction stories. What does it mean to be a hero? What qualities and traits do heroes have? In this activity, learn about fictional heroes and their journeys.
What You Need
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Paper
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Envelope and stamp
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Pencil, markers, crayons, etc.
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Access to your library or digital library to borrow books
Watch
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Watch the Ted Ed Video What Makes a Hero? by Matthew Winkler.
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Create the Hero's Journey clock the video describes.
Read
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Select a science fiction book of your choice to read.
(Looking for suggestions? Check out a list here!)
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Wonder
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How does the hero help others or bring about change?
What traits do all of us share with heroes?
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Create
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Create your own fictional hero. What is their name? What qualities of traits do they have? Do they have any special abilities? Do they have anyone helping them? Draw a portrait of your fictional hero.​
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Take Action
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Think about your family, friends, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and community members. Who do you look up to? What qualities or traits do you admire in this person? Why? How have they helped others or influenced change? Write a thank you card to a hero in your community.
Wonderlog
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Want to complete this task towards collecting a Wondernaut badge? Share with the Wondernaut community by doing one of the following:
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Share the portrait of your fictional hero.
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Tell us about a hero in your community and why you think they are a hero.
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Tell us which science fiction book you read and what the hero’s journey was.
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