Social Studies Project
Chapter 3 in our social studies text is titled: The Peopling of the
United States. Within the chapter, it highlights four different
nationalities that contributed to the make-up of the United States
today. The chapter focuses on the diversity of our nation.
For this chapter's assessment grade, I would like the students to
complete a presentation. Through this presentation, I am hoping
the children will be able to share about their own heritage and
how it contributes to the United States. This presentation should
be only two to three minutes long. It can be as creative as the
student desires. If the student has several different nationalities in
their background, they should choose ONE they wish to share with
the class.
Requirements for the presentation:
1. Each student should bring in an object that represents
something their heritage has contributed to the diversity of our
country. This object could be a family recipe, a special heirloom,
a photograph, a book or doll passed down, an article of clothing,
etc.
2. Each child should come prepared with a two to three minute
speech. Speeches can be straight forward or can be creative.
Some creative ideas may be presenting a recipe as a cooking
show, dancing a tradition dance, photographs in a PowerPoint
presentation, recording an interview or wearing a costume. No
one is required to wear a costume, however. If showcasing a food
item, a recipe can be passed around but NO FOOD ITEMS will be
allowed to be distributed.
I gave an example to students today. My ancestors on my
mother’s side are Irish. So, I could bring the recipe I use to make
corned beef and cabbage and Irish Soda Bread. This was a
recipe my mother used to make. We have them every St.
Patrick’s Day in my family, and my children love them! I also
shared that part of the Irish celebration of St. Patrick’s Day is
wearing green including hats and shamrock necklaces. I could
bring in a green leprechaun hat and jewelry
Here is another example from a student a few years ago. Her
family was from India. She wore a beautiful traditional dress from
India and showed us a dance her family uses at celebrations.
Other past presentations included power points where maps or
photographs were used to highlight aspects and the students’
heritage. We learned some interesting facts like one child being
related to one the United States presidents!
Some children may be concerned that they do not have stories
like this. I told them this is where they could learn from you or your
parents. If it really is a struggle for some families, the children
could do quick research on their cultural background and do
something more general.
Presentations will be scored on the students' ease in front of the
classroom, eye contact, volume, and pace of the speech. The
objects or "extras" are not graded.
My hope is that through these presentations the class will learn
more about one another and the children will learn more about
themselves. It should be a fun process for them.
The students should have their speeches prepared by Monday,
December 21st. I am not going to assign each child a specific
date. We will just hold presentations during the day and will fit in
as many as the time will allow.
Please sign below so I know you have read the above information
and are aware of the presentations due January 16th.
Thank you. I hope you have fun sharing your stories with your child.
Denise Hall
Child’s Name ________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________