EARLY AFRICAN KINGDOMS PROJECT
Computer Lab Days: October 26th- November 1st.
Presentations will take place November 2nd and 3rd.
You are a member of the charismatic griots who are responsible for sharing their society’s history with present and future generations! You and two fellow storytellers must share your society’s story before it gets lost in the sands of time. Below is the information you must convey so that your culture remains alive for generations to come!
OBJECTIVES (in no particular order)
1. Climate: describe which of the four climate zones of Africa your culture existed in and address how this climate zone(s) affected your assigned region
2. Geography: why/how did cultures develop in specific locations of Africa (provide map)
3. Climate/Geography vs. Culture: what factors dictated migration (if any)
4. Cultural Evolution: how did migrations or trade spread ideas, skills, languages, etc.
5. Technology/Innovation: what innovations did your culture utilize
6. Trade: what natural resources or developed goods/services came from your culture
7. Governance: what was the political and/or social structure (Clans? Tribes? Stable governance? Kingdom/empire? Impact on human rights?)
8. Time, Continuity and Change: did your culture change their way of living, or did they remain stagnant? Why?
9. Anthropology/Archeology: how do we know what we know about your culture
10. Visuals: integrate visuals to support your presentation (see below)
EXPECTATIONS
Each group is required to:
1) Present the objectives utilizing PowerPoint
2) Use at least one primary source as a visual aid during your presentation
3) Create a “References Used” page using Noodletools with at least three sources:
a. one APPROVED Internet source
b. one Online Database source
c. one library book or textbook source
WHAT NEEDS TO BE HANDED IN
· Printout of the PowerPoint that addresses the objectives for your specific culture
· References page attached to PowerPoint (MLA style)
· ALL STAPLED
Oral Report: Five Minutes
You are to present this information in a historical narrative. This means it is a personal perspective on your culture, and expect that the “storytelling” is sincere. In other words, don’t report – share your story with us.
· Students should script out their parts, perhaps have note cards or papers in hand.
· PowerPoint slides should only enhance the story, not tell it
· PowerPoint slides or visuals are not to be the entire presentation
· We advise the use of artifacts to augment the experience
· Show some style, some personality, some charisma and charm
· Each group member is required to be an active participant during the presentation
o Points can be awarded or deduced on an individual basis
o This can occur during the research period or the presentation
Schedule
· Day One (Wednesday, October 26)
§ Introduction to the Online Database and Noodletools registration
§ Introduction to Wikipage reference links, accessible from home
§ Access to I: Drive or flash drive to save documentation
§ Groups divide research responsibilities (assign objectives)
§ HW: Each member should have outlined notes on your assigned objectives along with at least one logged Noodletool citation. Also, begin to procure images that bolster your presentation.
· Day Two (Thursday, October 27)
§ Continued research
§ Collation of data
§ Procurement of images
§ Noodletool development/completion
§ HW: Each member should have outlined notes on the rest of your covered objectives, images, and
· Day Three (Friday, October 28)
§ Import logged Noodletool citation into PowerPoint slide
§ Importing and solidifying PowerPoint objectives and images
§ HW: Each member should provide an outline consisting of their topic (kingdom), their individually assigned 3 to 4 main ideas (objectives), each having 4 to 7 details supporting each objective.
· Day Four (Monday, November 1)
§ Import logged Noodletool citation into PowerPoint slide
§ Tweak slide presentation (design, templates, background, transitions)
§ Discuss technological needs with teachers (if any)
§ Have printout ready to go, or be SURE you can print out at home.
RUBRIC
Group Participants:
______
______
Kingdom: ______Total Points (out of 100): ______
Presentation: Appearance (60 points) Score
· Coordinated well with visuals and information (20) ______
· Presented as a narrative story, without reliance on visuals (20)
Not dictated from resources, but explained in speaker’s own words
and perspective
(Don’t read from the SmartBoard; OWN your knowledge) ______
· Seamless dynamic, quality flow between team members (20) ______
Objectives: Content (40 points):
· All components typed, printed, and on-time (10) ______
· Individual objectives met (10) ______
· Seamless, unified presentation (10) ______
· Includes complete Noodletools citations (10) ______
o Immediate 5pt deduction for each type of resource that is not present
Cohen/McCort SOMS 2010