DE102: Non-Fiction Reading Unit
Choose one of the following texts:
Brain Rules, by John Medina
Moonwalking with Einstein, by Joshua Foer
Freakonomics, by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Choose one of the following summative assessments:
MINIMAL-PRINT OPTIONS
 Annotations- 3-5 per page which include highlighting, underlining, markings and at least
one one comment. No superficial commentary. No I-just-Googled-this commentary. All
commentary demonstrates genuine inquiry, learning, and/or dissent.
 *Presentation- 7 minute (min.) didactic presentation that teaches the audience about
your book. Must include relevant audience engagement (quizzes, notes, etc.). If a
PowerPoint is used, slide text should be very limited to basic concepts or theories;
everything should be elaborated verbally. If images are used, do not include 90’s clip art;
make sure images enhance the message. Videos may be shown, but do not count for the
time limit.
 *Debate- This option requires a team of two OR a team of four: no other numerical
groupings are allowed. You would participate in a Public Forum Debate Round. Your
entire team would need to meet with me at lunch or after school for a 10 minute crash
course to translate this time table: A1- 2min, B1- 2min, Cross, A2- 2min, B2- 2min,
Cross, A1- 1min, B1- 1min, Cross, A2- 1min,
B2- 1 min.
 *Interview- This option allows you to participate in a conference-style interview about
the book. You may start with your own points of interest, but I will finish the interview
by asking you thoughtful questions at random. If you choose to complete this option
individually, we would conduct it after school or at lunch. Should you choose to
participate in a panel, the interview would be conducted in front of the class, and you
would not be guaranteed the same grade as your peers.
NON-PRINT OPTIONS
 Video Chapter Analyses- Record a 1-2 minute video explanation of each chapter. Aside
from the main ideas, you should comment on claims and studies that you find relevant,
controversial, and/or ambiguous. In other words, you may include some summary, but the
majority of your work will be analytical in nature. All chapters must be compiled into the
same video clip. You can decide whether or not you’d like your video presented to the
class.
 Visual Summary- This is an entirely non-print response. This response can be either six
detailed, metaphorical summaries of major concepts of the book, or one large image
(such as a canvas) with six distinct sections or areas. The artist must be willing to
describe these metaphors verbally to the teacher.
PRINT OPTIONS
 *Written Chapter Analyses- Each summary will be no less than ½ typed page, with
MLA formatting. Aside from the main ideas, you should comment on claims and studies
that you find relevant, controversial, and/or ambiguous. In other words, you may include
some summary, but the majority of your work will be analytical in nature.


Reflective Journal- Handwritten and no less than 10 pages, this option allows for
natural, as-you-read reflection. May include annotation-based responses as well as longer
responses that elaborate on personal experiences with the concepts described. No
tangential responses will be considered for grading. All entries must be dated. Journal
should demonstrate that it was completed over time, and not it one sitting. Entries should
not appear rushed or illegible.
Essay- MLA formatted, no less than 5 pages, this essay should be thesis-centered and
must include parenthetical citations.
All submitted assessments must meet the COOL CAT quality measurement: explain on back.
*Refers to options that can be done with a partner or a group of three. For each member, double the original requirement and make sure each member’s
section is labeled.