INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC

Essential Question: How are things different when you cross the U.S.-Mexico border and why?

Narrow Essential Question: You will choose your own essential question based on the essential question. This question will be the focus of your project.

Some examples are:

  • Why do Mexicans speak Spanish and Americans speak English?
  • Why is a McDonald’s so hard to find in Tijuana?
  • Why do the living conditions in Mexico seem much poorer than in the U.S?
  • Why can’t I drink the water in Mexico?
  • Who do people illegally cross the border into the U.S. from Mexico and not vice versa?

Final Deliverable

The final product is a news magazine modeled on National Geographic. Each class will create a magazine that, as a whole, will answer the overall essential question.

Each person will be required to include the following in the magazine:

  • Article that answers the narrow essential question
  • Original photos to compliment essay
  • Graphic section (insert or pullout section) that illustrates the scientific and/or economic concepts underlying the answer to your narrow essential question

*If your narrow essential question does not directly connect to a scientific or economic concept, you will have the opportunity to complete a graphic pullout section on photography or another topic.

In addition, each of you will be writing a letter to a government official advocating a political action based on your research. In addition, you will be making a pinhole camera and taking original photographs with your homemade camera.

Deadlines & Key Dates

DatesDeliverables

Wednesday, November 16Narrow essential question due

Monday, November 28Field trip to Mexico for research & photos

Friday, December 2Research complete

Monday, December 12First draft of graphics due to Rachel

Friday, December 16First draft of article (including photos) due to Jen

Friday, January 6Final draft due (includes final layout with graphics & photos)

Thursday, January 12Magazine launch party from 6:00 until 8:00

Work on pinhole camera will occur between Thanksgiving and Winter Break.

Duties

Editors-In-Chief

Rachel Ching & Jen Peterson. Enough said.

ALL STUDENTS WILL BE:

Photojournalists

You will complete your own research, write an article, take pictures, and create a graphic.

APPLY FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:

Section Editors (i.e. Immigration Editor, Health Editor, Environmental Editor, Human Rights Editor, Economics Editor, Crime Editor, Politics Editor)

Along with copy editors, these people will help polish the articles. Additionally, they are responsible with overseeing that all the articles come together with consistent style.

Photography Editors

These people are responsible for making sure that photographs chosen for print are of professional quality, appropriate for the article and complement the text. Also, this person is responsible for ensuring that each photograph has an accurate caption and credit.

Copy Editors

Copy editors will proofread and polish stories written by photojournalists. They will also work with writers to come up with headlines and titles.

Cover Artists

The cover artist is responsible of the design and layout of the cover. This person should have a good eye for design and be skilled in Photoshop.

Technology Specialists

These are the experts in computer programs, digital cameras, etc.

Why would you want to take on an extra job?

  • WE NEED YOUR HELP! The more students we have with jobs, the better our magazine will be.
  • The job can be included on your resume or college application.
  • You will develop deeper relationships with your teachers and in turn they can write you a better recommendation letter.
  • You will receive extra credit.