Tuesdays with Morrie Final Project
Directions: Choose one of the following topics to complete your final project for
Tuesdays with Morrie. The written portion of this project must be typed, double
spaced, 12 pt. font, Times New Roman. Be sure to use MLA format when
referencing the book and using a quote in your paper! You may use first person
point of view in your paper. You will present your project to the class.
PROJECT DUE DATE: _______________________________
1. Find a song with lyrics that relate to at least three of Morrie's aphorisms.
Then, write a 1 to 1 ½ page paper explaining how it relates to the aphorisms
you chose to focus on. Your paper should break the song apart, explaining
exactly how it connects to the aphorisms. Be prepared to share the song
and lyrics with the class.
2. What do you think is the most important message in the book? Write a two
page paper explaining your response with quotes from the book and with
details from your life that prove the message or theme is important to you.
3. Create a list of questions about life similar to lessons in the book and
interview someone you know over 60. Ask them specific questions about
their life experiences. Type your questions and take notes on the person’s
responses. Then, write a 1 to 1 ½ page paper detailing your interview
process and your thoughts about the responses you got from the person you
chose to interview. Point out any responses that may connect with
Tuesdays with Morrie.
4. Write an original song or a poem that connects with an aphorism, theme,
character, or situation in the book. (poem or song must be at least 25 lines
long). Then, write a 1 to 1 ½ page paper explaining how your original song
or poem connects to the book.
5. 20 POINT EXTRA CREDIT OPTION:
Morrie tells Mitch that the way you find meaning in life is if you “devote yourself
to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that
gives you purpose and meaning” (Albom 43). Find a way that you can devote
yourself to your community. This may be some type of community service,
creating something useful for someone, helping someone in a time of need.
Requirements for Option 5:
1. You will need to type a proposal that explains what your project/community
service will be.
You must have this typed proposal turned in to me by_______________.
o THIS MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT IN ORDER FOR
IT TO BE ACCEPTED.
o You must complete the proposal in order for this option to
count. If you complete this project without turning in the
signed proposal first, you WILL NOT receive credit.
This project must include detailed journal entries about your progress (at
least two a week)- what you’ve accomplished, any challenges you’ve
faced, etc.
You will need photographs of the progress- pictures of you creating your
project, donating your time to community service, etc.
Finally, write at least one page reflecting on this process- what did you
learn as you completed this task?
o What if the project/community service is a failure or I am unable to
finish it by the due date?
 The world’s best entrepreneurs embrace failure, and I ask
my students to adopt this mentality too. The only truly failed
project is the one that doesn’t get done. I want students to
strive to deliver and present a successful product at the end
of the year, but I don’t want the quest for perfection to lead
to an incomplete attempt.
Final Project Rubric
Find a Song
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
Connects the song to at least 3 aphorisms
10
Presentation: organized, loud voice, eye contact, explains connection of
the song to the book
Paper: thoughtful response, demonstrates critical thinking, explains how
the song connects to the chosen aphorisms.
Proper use of quotes/aphorisms, free of spelling, grammar, punctuation
errors, MLA format
Neat, organized, reflects effort
30
50
10
Total: 100
Original Song/Poem
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
Song/Poem is at least 25 lines long
10
Presentation: organized, loud voice, eye contact, explains connection of
the song/poem to the book
Paper: thoughtful response, demonstrates critical thinking, explains how
your original song or poem connects to the book.
Proper use of quotes/aphorisms, free of spelling, grammar, punctuation
errors, MLA format
Neat, organized, reflects effort
30
50
10
Total: 100
Essay
Presentation: organized, loud voice, eye contact, explains connection
of the essay to the book
Paper: thoughtful response, demonstrates critical thinking, includes
details from your life that prove the message or theme is important
to you.
Proper use of quotes/aphorisms, free of spelling, grammar, punctuation
errors, MLA format
Neat, organized, reflects effort
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
30
60
10
Total: 100
Interview
Presentation: organized, loud voice, eye contact, explains connection
of the interview to the book
Paper: thoughtful response, demonstrates critical thinking, includes
thoughts about the responses you got from the person you chose to
interview. Points out any responses that may connect with Tuesdays
with Morrie.
Proper use of quotes/aphorisms, free of spelling, grammar, punctuation
errors, MLA format
Neat, organized, reflects effort
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
30
60
10
Total: 100
Community Service Project
Points
Possible
Points
Earned
Presentation: organized, loud voice, eye contact
30
Journal Entries: documents project process, includes
photographs/videos, completed at least two journal entries each week
during the projects process
Paper: thoughtful response, demonstrates critical thinking, reflective of
the process and learning experienced through this project
Free of spelling, grammar, punctuation errors, MLA format
Neat, organized, reflects effort
20
60
10
Total: 100 + 20 extra credit