Philosophy Phun!: A Prestigious Power Point Project
A huge benefit of critical and creative intellect is the ability to “think outside the
box.” Taking a simple idea or question and expanding upon it, turning it over
within your brain, and looking at the ins and outs and possibilities of an answer
can be a powerful tool in problem solving. This may explain why the question,
“Which came first: the chicken or the egg?” becomes such a brain buster; at
first, the solution seems simple, but after careful speculation, there appears to be
more than one answer!
Famous thinkers like Socrates and Descartes created philosophies centuries ago
that question the theme of our existence in this world (as well as the
metaphorical origin of poultry), and your challenge is to become the “master”
of one idea/theme to present to the class. You will analyze the meaning behind
this philosophy as well as apply these ideas to you and your peers. Your
presentation must be both oratory (just liked our ancient philosophers) and visual
using the medium of your choice (Power Point, Prezi, etc.). Follow the guidelines
below and the rubric on the back to help you create your presentation.
Your presentation must include:
 Some type of visual medium to act as a visual aid.
o Remember, visual aids are VISUAL; they are not meant to be a
script. Include no more than 2-3 bullet points per slide and no more
than 10-15 total words per slide. Think about your most important
words!
o Pictures, icons, clip art, etc. are invited…and expected!
 An introduction of the philosopher as well as their “big idea”
 An explanation and analysis of the meaning behind this “big idea”
 An application of this “big idea” that analyzes why this philosophy is
integral for 8th graders to understand in their own lives.
o What would be the theme for students to learn here?
 An evaluation as to whether this philosopher would believe the “chicken”
or the “egg” came first and why (be creative in your explanation here!)
 Three questions proving your audience’s understanding of your philosophy
(you may use two from your printout and create one of your own)

All group members must have an equal responsibility in creating the
presentation and sharing the information to the group.
Rubric
Introduction to
your philosophy
Explanation and
analysis of your
philosophy
Application
(theme) and
evaluation of your
philosophy
Visual and
Auditory
Performance
4
3
2
1
Intro includes the
name and
background of the
philosopher, as well
as a clear statement
of what their
philosophy is.
Intro includes only the
name of the
philosopher, as well
as a clear statement
of what their
philosophy is.
Intro includes only the
name of the
philosopher and a
short statement of
their philosophy.
There is no
introduction.
4
3
2
1
Group shows critical
thinking through a
deep explanation
what the philosophy
says as well as an
analysis of what the
philosophy means.
Group shows basic
thinking/
understanding in their
explanation what the
philosophy says as
well as an analysis of
what the philosophy
means.
Group only explains
what the philosophy
says but does not go
into any analytic
detail about its
deeper meaning.
There is neither
explanation nor
analysis about the
philosophy.
4
3
2
1
Group applies the
philosophy to the
audience by
explaining the theme
of why it is important
for them. Group also
evaluates “chicken v.
egg” theory.
Group explains why
the philosophy is
important, but does
apply a theme to
audience; basic
evaluation of
“chicken v. egg”
theory.
Group has basic
application of
philosophy but no
theme, and does not
address “chicken v.
egg” theory.
There is neither
application to
audience nor analysis
of “chicken v. egg”
theory
4
3
2
1
Media presentation is
colorful, aesthetically
stimulating, and acts
as a visual aid and
NOT a script. All
voices are loud,
clear, and fluent.
Media presentation is
colorful, somewhat
stimulating, and has
more than 10-15
words. Most voices
are clear but need
more volume or
fluency.
Media presentation is
a little sloppy and
acts like a script. Most
voices are hard to
understand because
they too soft.
Media presentation
looks unfinished or
quickly thrown
together.
Presentations are soft
and confused
between members.
Participation and
Effort
4
3
2
1
Groups used time in
class wisely and each
member put in 100%
effort. Each group
member had an
equal part in the
presentation.
Groups used most of
the time in class
wisely but got a little
off-task. Each group
member had a
somewhat equal part
in the presentation.
Groups were off-task
during most of class
time. Each group
member had a
somewhat equal part
in the presentation.
Groups were off-task
during class time
each day. Only one
or two group
members had a part
in the presentation.
Total: ____________________/20