Activity Overview
In Hester Prynne’s time, her mistake was the talk of the town for many years to come. Coupled with the scarlet letter she must wear on all of her clothing, people do not quickly forget what she did, and what she is known for. Many celebrities, politicians, and other historical characters are known for their scandals as well, and many will always be remembered for their scandal(s). Have students pick a celebrity or politician that is known for a scandal. In a storyboard, have them give background for the person, the scandal, and have them choose a letter that best represents what that person will always be known for.
An Example Scandal Board
| Celebrity/Historical Figure: President Richard Nixon | |
|---|---|
| Cell 1 | Richard Nixon was elected as the 37th President of the United States from 1969-1974. He was an outspoken anti-communist, which helped boost his popularity at the time. He unsuccessfully ran against John F. Kennedy in 1960, but eventually won the Presidency in 1968. |
| Cell 2 | Initially, Nixon was known for ending both the Vietnam War in 1973, and military conscription. This made him incredibly popular with the people who were “warred out”. |
| Cell 3 | Nixon won reelection by a landslide in 1972, due in large part to the first successful American moon landing in 1969 and the ending of the draft. It seemed he was unstoppable. |
| Cell 4 | In June 1972, a break-in at the Democratic National Committee Watergate Building in Washington, D.C. led back to members of Nixon’s reelection campaign committee. They were trying to obtain secret information on the DNC. Reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, broke the story to the press after obtaining information from an FBI informant known as “Deep Throat”. |
| Cell 5 | While it is still unknown if Nixon had foreknowledge of the break-in, the scandal overshadowed most of his work in office. He fired aides, released tapes that seemed doctored, and eventually admitted he had misled the country about the White House’s involvement in the scandal. He delivered his resignation speech to a national audience live on TV. |
| Cell 6 | While Richard Nixon did a lot of important things for the country, his role in the cover-up of the Watergate Scandal ultimately overshadowed the legacy he had tried to establish. I am giving him the letter “R” for “Resignation” because he will always be known as the only U.S. President to resign from office. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a celebrity or politician who is known for scandalous behavior and create a storyboard that depicts this person.
- In each description box, write a description of this person, and each scandal or action.
- In the last cell, choose a letter that best represents that person and explain why it represents how that person will be known.
- Add pictures that accurately depict each description.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
In Hester Prynne’s time, her mistake was the talk of the town for many years to come. Coupled with the scarlet letter she must wear on all of her clothing, people do not quickly forget what she did, and what she is known for. Many celebrities, politicians, and other historical characters are known for their scandals as well, and many will always be remembered for their scandal(s). Have students pick a celebrity or politician that is known for a scandal. In a storyboard, have them give background for the person, the scandal, and have them choose a letter that best represents what that person will always be known for.
An Example Scandal Board
| Celebrity/Historical Figure: President Richard Nixon | |
|---|---|
| Cell 1 | Richard Nixon was elected as the 37th President of the United States from 1969-1974. He was an outspoken anti-communist, which helped boost his popularity at the time. He unsuccessfully ran against John F. Kennedy in 1960, but eventually won the Presidency in 1968. |
| Cell 2 | Initially, Nixon was known for ending both the Vietnam War in 1973, and military conscription. This made him incredibly popular with the people who were “warred out”. |
| Cell 3 | Nixon won reelection by a landslide in 1972, due in large part to the first successful American moon landing in 1969 and the ending of the draft. It seemed he was unstoppable. |
| Cell 4 | In June 1972, a break-in at the Democratic National Committee Watergate Building in Washington, D.C. led back to members of Nixon’s reelection campaign committee. They were trying to obtain secret information on the DNC. Reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, broke the story to the press after obtaining information from an FBI informant known as “Deep Throat”. |
| Cell 5 | While it is still unknown if Nixon had foreknowledge of the break-in, the scandal overshadowed most of his work in office. He fired aides, released tapes that seemed doctored, and eventually admitted he had misled the country about the White House’s involvement in the scandal. He delivered his resignation speech to a national audience live on TV. |
| Cell 6 | While Richard Nixon did a lot of important things for the country, his role in the cover-up of the Watergate Scandal ultimately overshadowed the legacy he had tried to establish. I am giving him the letter “R” for “Resignation” because he will always be known as the only U.S. President to resign from office. |
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Choose a celebrity or politician who is known for scandalous behavior and create a storyboard that depicts this person.
- In each description box, write a description of this person, and each scandal or action.
- In the last cell, choose a letter that best represents that person and explain why it represents how that person will be known.
- Add pictures that accurately depict each description.
- Save and Exit
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Scarlet Letter Text Connection: Scandal Activity
Design a rubric to assess student scandal storyboards effectively
Create a clear, detailed rubric that outlines expectations for each storyboard component. This helps students understand how their work will be evaluated and encourages them to meet all assignment requirements.
Break down each category and assign point values
List key categories such as background accuracy, scandal explanation, letter symbolism, creativity, and visuals. Assign specific point values to each to show what matters most in the assignment.
Share the rubric with students before they begin
Provide the rubric at the start so students can self-check their work as they create it. This builds confidence and ensures they focus on all required elements.
Use the rubric to provide targeted feedback
Reference specific rubric categories when giving feedback. This makes your comments clear, actionable, and linked directly to improvement areas for each student.
Encourage student reflection using the rubric
Ask students to review their work against the rubric and note strengths or areas for growth. This promotes self-assessment and deeper learning from the assignment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Scarlet Letter Text Connection: Scandal Activity
What is the Scarlet Letter text connection scandal activity for students?
The Scarlet Letter text connection scandal activity asks students to choose a celebrity or politician known for a scandal and create a storyboard. Each cell includes background, details of the scandal, and a letter symbolizing how the person is remembered, connecting modern scandals to themes from The Scarlet Letter.
How do you create a storyboard for the Scarlet Letter scandal lesson?
To create a storyboard for this lesson: pick a public figure with a scandal, outline their background, describe the scandal, and in the final cell, select a letter that represents their legacy. Add images and explanations for each part to visually connect the story.
What are some good examples of scandals to use in a Scarlet Letter classroom activity?
Examples include Richard Nixon and Watergate, Bill Clinton's impeachment, Lance Armstrong's doping, or Martha Stewart's insider trading. Choose figures whose actions are widely recognized and relate to the theme of public reputation and consequences.
Why use modern scandals to teach The Scarlet Letter?
Using modern scandals helps students relate the novel’s themes to real life, showing how public shame, reputation, and consequences still impact individuals today, making the literature more relevant and engaging.
What letter should students choose for a scandal activity, and why?
Students should choose a letter that captures what the person is most remembered for (e.g., "R" for Resignation for Nixon). The letter should symbolize the lasting impact of the scandal on the person's legacy.
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