Projects

 

Independence Day Project (6th grade)

 

Spanish class is not only about studying grammar, vocabulary, reading, and writing. Culture is part of the information required to meet the standards of the state of Indiana. We will work with the project in class, but I am working with them only two times a week. I am balancing between grammars, vocabulary and working with the project. It will be helpful if they can work on the project at home and continue with it in class.

I am doing a project with the junior high grade levels because from September 15 to October 15 our country celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month. I want students to learn about all the countries which celebrate their Independence Day during this period of time September 15 to October 15. I decided to do this project in groups to encourage teamwork skills between students. Each group was assigned a country at random. That way all students have the same opportunity to do any of the countries. Students are researching the following countries: Costa Rica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Spain, and Chile.

6^th graders did an example of an outline together in class. Last week we did an outline together in class. All the children participated on a discussion over what they wanted to know and learn about the Independence Day celebrations. The outline is the first step they need to do work on. I would like to check the students outline during our next class this coming week to discuss possible changes.

The next step is to research, and write only one paper per group about the country they have been assigned. After that they will decide as a group what resources they could use as a tool to help them to present the project. They could use any resources but I would like to see a good visual aid. I told them that I do not expect to see their entire project written on the visual aid that they will use. I suggested a poster, power point presentation or tri-fold board so I think they have a variety of choices to present the project. Of course, the children could have different ideas of how they want to present their country. They only have to talk with me about what they want to use and them we can decide together whether it is a good fit for the project.

Finally, each group will present to the class something that represents the country they have. I told them it could be a dish, music, clothes or anything that they could show the class. I told them that they have to check first with their parents before deciding anything.  Parents do not need to spend money doing this project; students could use their talents to make what they want.

I asked the Principal if we could use the gathering room to do this activity. Some students would like to bring food or make a skit so we need the space. I would like to make clear this last part of the project where we share time in an alternate learning environment is dependent on their behavior in class during the duration of the project. If their behavior warrants this reward, we will have it. If they do not behave then this last part of the project in the gathering room will be cancelled.

 

The project is made up of the following parts:

1. Outline
2. Research Paper
3. Students will prepare a visual aid to help them present their project to the class
4. Students can bring something that represents the country they study. This part is not mandatory.
5. Depending on their behavior as a reward we will have the activity in the gathering room.

 

The project right now is due for the 25^th but I will follow up the groups’ progress and if they all need more time then the due date will be extended. Please write me if you have any questions about the project. 

 

 

 

Independence Day of Mexico Outline (6th, 7th and 8th)

 

I. Name of the country

           A. Where it is located geographically (general location) 

           B.  Flag of the country 

II. History

           A. Independence Day: When it happened

           B. What was the cause

           C. How did they get their Independence?

           D. Why did they want independence?

           E. Who was the leader of the Independence movement?

           F. Write a biography about the leader

III. Celebrations

          A. How do they celebrate

          B. How long is their celebration

          C. How did they prepare to celebrate the Independence Day?

          D. What clothes do they wear for this celebration?

IV. How we could compare their Independence day celebration with the 4th of July.

          A. Compare and contrast both events.

          B. What would you like to do differently to celebrate the Independence and why.

 V. Conclusion

 

 

Independence Day Project Rubric (6th, 7th, and 8th)

The Project must include:

1. Outline: 5 points
2. Research paper: 50 points
3. Presentation: 30 points
4. Visual aid: 15 points

 

1. Outline

The outline must be organized in five categories and these in subcategories. The categories are: Country, history, celebrations, similarities and differences between other countries with USA, and   Conclusion.  (5pts.)    ______

     2. The research paper should be organized in the same order as the outline

The research paper must be typed.

The research paper must describe and explain when, where, who, how this event happened.

The research must describe and explain the event with facts, descriptions, and details.

Research should be turned in on time. (50pts.)   ______

      3. Presentation

            Students will present accurate information

Students must be able to explain in their own words the information instead of reading from a paper.

Each member of the team must present the information that they researched.

The information should be clearly presented.

Students should establish good eye contact with the audience.

Students must engage the audience in their presentation. (30pts.)

       4. The visual aid:

I suggested a poster, power point presentation or tri-fold.

Visual aid should present accurate information.

Visual aid should be neat.

Students should be creative. (15pts.)