The McEachern Project
Mitchells Current Issues Class 2016-17
CLASS TOPICS ARE: PENDING
PAST EXAMPLES HAVE BEEN…CLASS CHANGE TIME, OFF CAMPUS LUNCH, & SCHOOL FOOD.
Have you ever really wanted to change something but didn’t know where to begin? Has something bothered you at McEachern (or in the community) & you want to see change? Well, this is going to be your opportunity to fulfill that goal (AND this will be your major project for this semester). Each year student’s opinions of what is “WRONG” with the school and community changes. This will be an authentic attempt to make a difference in this arena. We will dedicate a few days this semester for computer lab research and development but the bulk of this project will be completed by your group OUTSIDE our classroom.
Initially we will select a “problem”. Each group’s problem will be what they are trying to fix! Your group must decide how to develop a narrative around that problem and the best ways to create a change in that area. You already have some information on the problems McEachern faces (think briefly on the things you don’t like about this school and community) but these are simply initial opinions and arguments. Your job will be to resolve those issues and create viable solutions. You will have to use a variety of resources including media, print, internet, and individuals with special knowledge of the problem to complete this activity accurately.
Source examples:
Library, Internet, Newspapers, Teachers and Administrators (NOT MRS MONTGOMERY), Interest Groups and Community Organizations/Members
CONTACTING PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF MHS-
IF YOU CONTACT ANY PERSON BEGIN BY INTRODUCING YOURSELF AND THE REASON FOR WHICH YOU ARE CALLING. REQUEST AN INTERVIEW TIME & WAIT FOR RESPONSE.
PORTFOLIO:
Your portfolio should contain two key elements VISUAL DISPLAY & DOCUMENTS
PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT TASKS (SHOULD BE WRITTEN OUT LIKE AN ESSAY)
1. EXPLAIN THE PROBLEM. This should be done like the introduction to an essay… (Hint Hint)
2. EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM… (How could you possibly change this with REAL alternatives) these should be listed and explained.
3. CHOOSE ONE ALTERNATIVE THAT SEEMS BEST TO SUPPORT OR END ISSUE
4. DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN (Work Plan) TO PUT CHANGES INTO MOTION… The action/work plan will be the guideline to developing your project and guide your presentation. (.DOC TO FOLLOW)
VISUAL DISPLAY SECTION- SHOULD BE COMPOSED OF POSTER/FOAM-CORE BOARD. MATERIALS TO BE DISPLAYED ARE ITEMS SUCH AS WRITTEN STATEMENTS, CHARTS, GRAPHS, PHOTOS, AND ORIGINAL ART.
DOCUMENT SECTION- SHOULD BE COMPOSED IN A LARGE 3 RING BINDER. DOCUMENTS IN THIS SECTION SHOULD COME FROM INTERNET, MAGAZINES, NEWPAPERS, OR OTHER AREAS NOT PART OF THE VISUAL DISPLAY AREA.
DIFFERENTIATION: (VISUAL DISPLAY SECTION)
DEVELOP A COMPUTER BASED PRESENTATION
CREATE A WEBSITE
WEB BASED PORTFOLIO
PRODUCE A VIDEO
(IF NECESSARY) BE SURE TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED WRITTEN PERMISSION BEFORE TAPING. REQUEST PERMISSION TO TAPE ALL INDIVIDUALS (CREATE A FORM). YOU WILL NEED A WRITTEN RELEASE FORM FOR ALL STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 IN YOUR VIDEO (CREATE A FORM).
Rubric/ check sheet will help students understand what will be required of them & of their presentation.
Project Presentations will be APRIL 17TH
Each group will receive UP TO 15 minutes to present!
Project citizen books (page 69) will help show what your display should/could look like!