| "More than just one month" Reports |
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Have you ever really thought about what makes America such a wonderful country to live in? Freedom is probably one of the most important things that come to your mind, Along with that freedom came the opportunity for people from all countries and cultures, and of all religions and races to come to America and make it into the wonderful nation that it is today.
The truth is, very few of us originated from America. Most all of our ancestors were at one time or another from another country. While it is important for us to be proud of our culture, ethnicity and race, it is equally important to be aware of other ethnicities and cultures and all that they have contributed and continue to contribute to our country.
Throughout the school year there are different months set aside to honor and focus on different groups, such as Black History Month, Native American History Month, Women's History Month and countless other groups. While it is important to take the time to learn about each of these, wouldn't it be better if we spent more than just 1 month on them and looked at them collectively and continually?
America is called the "melting pot", where each individual has a part in shaping our country and world, by adding their own contribution. It is about recognizing and accepting that we have all been created equal and each person is due the same respect and rights, and that we all have something very precious and valuable to contribute to our world.
This year, I am attempting to do away with spending only 1 month to focus on a specific group or culture. They all deserve more attention and recognition than that. History as a whole needs to become more balanced, more integrated. This is where 'More than just one month' reports come in at...
WHAT ARE 'MORE THAN JUST ONE MONTH' REPORTS?
They are a series of three research reports that each student will complete throughout the school year. One report will be done on a famous African America, one on a famous Native American and the third report will be done on a famous Mexican, Irish, Asian, German or Italian American. For each category student will be given a list in which to choose from. Each student¡¦s three reports will be spread out over the entire year, giving them approximately 2-3 months between the due date of each report and presentation.
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO FOR MY REPORT?
Each report will consist of a written paper and a brief oral presentation. Specific guidelines are included in this packet and will be discussed in class.
WHEN WILL I WORK ON MY REPORTS?
In class we will be doing a series of workshops to help you learn the correct process for writing a research report. You will be given many resources and handouts to help you. The actual research and writing of the report will be done at home, although your teacher is more than willing to help; all you have to do is askļ The key is to follow the directions and steps given to you and to not wait until the last minute. Completing these reports will also prepare you for writing the report for your Science Fair project, as well as for when you are in Middle School and High School.
HOW WILL I SELECT THE PEOPLE THAT I WILL DO MY REPORT ON?
For each category, you will be provided with a list of possible people to research. Each list contains enough people that no one will be doing a report on the same person. After reviewing the list of people with their parents, students will have the opportunity to choose who they want. It is important to note that the order in which they pick their person/topic, is the order in which their report & presentation will be due. For example, Ella wants to choose Martin Luther King, Jr. If she picks first, she will present the first week that the reports are due. While picking first ensures her of getting who she wants, it also means that her¡¦s will be due sooner.
WHEN ARE MY REPORT & PRESENTATION DUE?
Starting the week of October 13, three students will give their report each week. One of the students will be doing their¡¦s on a famous African American, one on a famous Native American and the third will do their¡¦s on a famous Mexican, Irish, Asian, German or Italian American. (These will be the three students who picked first in each category.) Schedules will be coordinated to ensure that each student has at least a month and a half between each of their reports. Therefore, if you are one of the first ones to select your person for the African American Report, you will not be allowed to be one of the first to choose for the other two categories. After all students have selected the people for their three reports, each student will receive notification about when each of their three reports are due. A master schedule will also be posted in the classroom.
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