Name: _________________
MENU PLANNER
Ethnic Groups of Africa
Period: _____
SS7G4: the student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Africa.
(Arab, Ashanti, Bantu, and Swahili)
RUBRIC
CATEGORY
MAIN DISH
Newspaper
25 Points
SIDE DISH
Writer, Cartographer,
Historian
25 Points
DESSERT
Visual Component
25 Points
RESEARCH
Documented
Research
25 Points
Exemplary
20 Points
Proficient
15 Points
Developing
10 Points
Needs Improvement
The project includes all
The project includes all
required content and
content. All information
demonstrates an in-depth is correct.
understanding of the
topic.
The project is missing Several pieces of
1 – 2 pieces of content content are missing or
OR there are 1 – 2
are incorrect.
items that are incorrect.
The work is appropriate
The work is appropriate
length, focuses on the
length, and focuses on
required elements, and
the required elements.
demonstrates an in-depth
understanding of the
topic.
The work is either
lacking in length or
does not focus on the
required elements.
The work is
incomplete.
The project includes a
creative visual component
that demonstrates indepth understanding of
the chosen ethnic group.
The visual component
is incomplete or does
not demonstrate
understanding of the
chosen ethnic group.
The project is not clear
and does not
demonstrate
understanding.
The project includes a
creative visual
component about
chosen ethnic group.
Written research is shown Written research is
for all ethnic groups.
shown for all ethnic
Additional resources were groups.
used and a bibliography is
included.
Research is missing for Research is missing for
1-2 ethnic groups.
3 or more ethnic
groups.
25 Points
TOTAL: ______________
Welcome to Paradis Social Studies Café, the best project joint in all of Webb Bridge Middle
School! Please review our menu below. You must complete the main dish and then choose one side
dish and one dessert. Enjoy your meal!
Main Dishes (Required) - Research 3 of the 4 ethnic groups in our standard (Arab, Ashanti,
Bantu, and Swahili) and create a newspaper on the ethnic groups you researched using the following
website.
RESEARCH: - Instructions for Trackstar:
1. Click on the following link – http://trackstar.4teachers.org
3. On the right side of the window, type in the following track number 456812 & press enter
4. Click on the View in Frames button
5. Click on the website name on the left side of the window and view the actual site
6. Written research MUST BE TURNED IN. If additional sites are used, a bibliography
must be included!
NEWSPAPER ARTICLE – Instructions for Printing Press:
1) Click on the following link
http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/interactives/Printing_Press/
3) Click “START”, then click “NEWSPAPER” and pick a template
6) You are to write 1 article for each of the 3 ethnic groups you selected. Each article must
answer the following:
a. Where did the group originate from, and why did they relocate?
b. What is the native language, and how has it changed?
c. What is the group’s primary religion and their beliefs?
d. An interesting fact about the group
8) The newspaper should include a picture for each ethnic group.
Side Dishes (Choose one side dish)
1. BE A WRITER: Write a fictional story – Write a short story about a person or imagined
event relating to an African ethnic group. Minimum 3 paragraphs, 8-10 sentences per paragraph!
2. BE A CARTOGRAPHER: Create a Map – Create a map of Africa showing where various
ethnic groups are found. The map should include the 4 ethnic groups in our standard as well as
several others. Also, a map key should be included.
3. BE A HISTORIAN: Research report or presentation – Write a report or create a
PowerPoint illustrating the history of an ethnic group OTHER THAN the 4 listed in our standard.
Minimum 3 paragraphs long!
Desserts (Complete one dessert) - this could be one of the ethnic groups we are studying or
another ethnic group in Africa
1. Make a collage about 1 ethnic group - The collage should represent one ethnic group in Africa
and must include a title and a brief explanation.
2. Write and record an original poem, song, or rap about 1 ethnic group – written
lyrics or poem must be turned in.
3. Create a Tribal Mask for 1 ethnic group – This mask should represent one ethnic group from
Africa and include a brief explanation.
4. Be creative – Come up with your own creative idea. The idea MUST BE APPROVED by Ms.
Paradis!