Projects

=﻿Projects -= Students will complete **two** book reviews and **two** mini-projects to correspond with each of our time periods of study. With the exception of the first unit, you will select in which time frame you complete a book review or mini project. As you consider your assessment planning contract, remember that everyone completes a mini-project for the first unit. You must plan for one more mini-project and two book reviews during units 2, 3, and 4. Each review and project must correspond to the current unit of study! Print the tracker below to help keep yourself organized. All assignments are to be handed in or presented on the due dates. 10% late penalties will be assessed each day the assignment is late. Dr's notes are required for presentation absences - book reviews are to be posted online by the deadline, or the late penalty applies.


 * Topic Ideas for Projects & Book Reviews -**

Book Reviews-
You will read **two** books that correspond to two different time periods of study. All books must be nonfiction and are to be teacher-approved in advance. Dr. Valenza has compiled potential book titles under the "Books for Decades Reading" libguide on the library homepage. All necessary forms are posted below. Please pay attention to the announced deadlines for approval and submission. All book reviews must be posted on "turnitin.com" 3 days prior to the due date to allow for student review.
 * (100 pts each)**


 * Assignment Sheet and Rubric -** Read all steps and grading categories carefully!

Mini Projects-
(**75 pts each)** The point of this activity is to have you add to your knowledge of a time period but in a manner that does not repeat things we have done in class or read about in the textbook. In an effort to "bring history to life," students will complete **two** mini projects during the course of the semester. These projects do not involve written components aside from a citation page, but they do help students practice their presentation skills. Projects are evaluated on the basis of historical accuracy, evidence of preparation and creativity, and overall appearance.

Mini projects are presentations in front of the class that include something tangible, which you create. **THEY ARE NOT WRITTEN REPORTS**. There are three options for mini-project topics: On the day of your presentation, I will ask you as to whether your project is “how to”,“family tradition", or "traditional.” **Always consider the essential questions of the course/unit when planning and carrying out a presentation.**
 * One of your mini projects could teach us how something was done. You must personally demonstrate this mini project. Your source list will include all resources (books & people) you used to find skill, game, dance, activity, relevant to the time period. Ex: If your dance teacher taught you the Charleston, provide credit. If it was YouTube, cite that!
 * One of your mini projects could be based on a family tradition. You must share with the class something your family did repeatedly during the appropriate time period (and may in fact still do). Your resource page will include all the people you talked to to verify the tradition and its origins.
 * One of your mini projects could teach us about relevant information not covered in class. For example, perhaps you want to teach us about the origin of the Teddy Bear, or the history of Twinkies...these are appropriate topics for this type of mini-project.

**Presentation aids -**

 * __Tangible__item - Please do NOT bring in family heirlooms on any other item that has intrinsic or monetary value. Bring a photo instead.
 * __(Electronic) Visual Aides__- You may use a visual tool to enhance your presentation. Please notify me if technology is needed and make sure you can access your presentation content online (virtual locker, etc) or via flashdrive. Be mindful of length, text size, font & color, clarity, etc. All materials must be copyright friendly and properly cited.
 * __Food__- **All projects involving food require advance teacher approval. A limited number of edible project opportunities will be allowed. Projects not received on the assigned day due to student absence MUST NOT include anything edible. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy.** It is advisable that you prepare the edible portion in advance and record your presentation. The production should not exceed the time span allotted for your presentation. You will need to provide all necessary plates, utensils, etc., and napkins for the entire class.

**Grading Criteria- see the specific rubric**

 * //__Note that sources are due on the day the project is presented and are part of the grading process. This source list must be a hard copy in proper citation format.__//**


 * Assignment Sheet and Rubric -** Read all steps and grading categories carefully!