Civil War Research Project: Power Point Presentation
Requirements:
1. Visit NC Live to begin your research. Click on advanced search. Select East Albemarle Regional Library to access the data bases in NC Live. The password is diaghype.
2. Keyword Search: Type in American Civil War then any of these topics
- Medicine
- Weapons
- Battles
- Spies
- Women
- Appomattox
- Underground railroad
- Causes
- Secession
- Matthew Brady and photography
3. Narrow down your topic and print out the essays and articles. Please complete a research cover sheet for each source. I will check these for completion.
4. You need 4 sources. To create the works cited list, go to www.citationmachine.net
5. You will prepare note cards: 10 direct quotations and 10 paraphrases. The note cards must have an in-text citation on each card. The note cards should come from the 4 sources. I suggest five cards per source.
6. Note cards are due Friday, April 22
7. Power Point: You will prepare an 8 – 10 slide presentation. You need a title slide and a works cited slide. Please include a citation of any work you are incorporating in your presentation in the lower right hand corner of each slide. The works cited slide must be formatted in MLA format.
8. Power Point is due Friday, May 6.
Tips for Making Effective PowerPoint Presentations
1. Use the slide master feature to create a consistent and simple design template. It is fine to vary the content presentation (i.e. bulleted list, 2-column text, text & image), but be consistent with other elements such as font, colors, and background. Avoid busy backgrounds.
2. Keep titles and text spaced consistently.
3.Simplify and limit the number of words on each screen. Use key phrases and include only essential information. Limit lines to 6 – 8 per slide.
4. Limit punctuation and avoid putting words in all capital letters. Empty space on the slide will enhance readability.
5. Keep the typefaces on your slides consistent. Sans serif is recommended. Sans serif – Characters do not have curls: Arial, Tahoma, Gill Sans, Verdana, etc.
6. Use contrasting colors for text and background. Dark text on a light background is best. Patterned backgrounds can reduce readability of text.
7. Use good quality images that reinforce and complement your message. Ensure that your images maintain their impact and resolution when projected on a larger screen.
8. Do not read from your slides. The content of your slides is for the audience, not for the presenter.
9. Do not speak to your slides. Many presenters face the direction of their presentation rather than their audience.
Graphics and Design
§ Keep the background consistent and subtle.
§ Use only enough text when using charts or graphs to explain clearly label the graphic.
§ Keep the design clean and uncluttered. Leave empty space around the text and graphics
§ Use quality clipart and use it sparingly. The graphic should relate to and enhance the topic of the slide.
General Presentation
§ Check the spelling and grammar.
§ Do not read the presentation. Practice the presentation so you can speak from bullet points. The text should be a cue for the presenter rather than a message for the viewer.
§ Give a brief overview at the start. Then present the information. Finally review important points.
§ It is often more effective to have bulleted points appear one at a time so the audience listens to the presenter rather than reading the screen.
§ Avoid sound effects.
§ Do not turn your back on the audience. Try to position the monitor so you can speak from it.
§ SMILE – be animated! If you sound and act as if your information is important, interesting or relevant, the audience will be more receptive.