Festival of Cultures
Social Studies – 1st Semester Project
This project is divided into three separate, but connected parts. The students will have several due dates
with the expectation that they will turn in each assignment before or on the assigned due date.
The first part of the project will be the Pre-Travel portion. This is when the student will research and
learn the important information necessary to travel to his/her assigned country and complete a worksheet over
their assigned country. The second part of the project is the Travel segment where the student will present
information about their country in the form of a travel commercial. The Post-Travel phase is an oral
presentation of their Prezi. Specific details for each of the areas will be found in the following pages and rubric.
The students will be expected to do a large portion of the research and development of their project at
home. Parents are encouraged to provide resources, suggestions, encouragement, and accountability. Allowing
students to do their own work and creativity will help them as they encounter a greater number of independent
assignments entering high school. Since this project is directed toward a typical seventh grader’s abilities, if
students follow classroom instructions and the suggested timeline, he/she will experience success with this
assignment. Plagiarism will not be tolerated and will result in a zero for that portion of the assignment.
Please help explain (as we have) what plagiarism is and why it is wrong.
Due to the long term awareness of the due dates of this assignment any work turned in late shall
result in a 40% deduction of points.
In the following pages you will find a detailed overview of the Festival of Cultures Project. The
rubrics clearly outline the expectations of the project and how it will be graded. The teacher will also share
examples to help the students understand what their final copy should look like. If a student needs additional
help or clarification, the teacher will be available by appointment before or after school on most days.
This project is meant to be a fun and an informative learning experience. We appreciate the support and
cooperation of all involved and are looking forward to the wonderful results of a job well done. Please feel free
to contact your teacher if you have any questions.
Mr. Cummings, Mr. Hyde, Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Walsh,
Seventh Grade Social Studies
Festival of Cultures
General Information:



Each student will be assigned a specific country that may or may not be shared with someone in another class
period.
Students are expected to use, but are not limited to the following resources: Almanacs, Encyclopedias, Travel
Guides, Approved Internet sites, Non-fiction book series Enchantment of the World, and other appropriate
sources.
Sources must be documented.
Phase 1: Pre-Travel
Due Date: Tuesday, October 9th
Worksheet Procedures
1. This section is due by the date listed above.
2. Work must be neatly written and only in pencil or students may also get the research
worksheet word file from the class website and type the information.
3. The worksheet is provided and will detail the exact information needed for the other two
portions of the project (Travel, Post Travel). Points will be awarded based upon the
quality of work.
Phase 2: Travel
Due Date: Tuesday- Thursday November 13th – 15th
Points will be awarded as noted in the rubric
Procedures
1. This section is due by the dates listed above.
2. You will make a T.V. OR radio commercial which will presented in class detailing
information about your country as well as travel information that would persuade
someone to visit your assigned country.
3. You may record your commercial or present it live. If you choose to record your
commercial, you will be required to submit it on a CD or flash drive. You must also be
prepared to present it live should there be a technology issue. If you would like to record
your presentation, please turn your completed copy in at least 1 day before you are
scheduled to present. CD’s must be in a CD sleeve or sandwich bag with your name and
hour written on it in sharpie.
Phase 3: Post-Travel
Due Date: December 10th – 20th
December 21st is Make Up Day: Only Granted by Permission.
Prezi Presentation
1. The name of your country
2. Your name
3. General Information- Language & Continent
4. Land- Type of Climate Region; Land Area in square miles (not kilometers)
5. History - One historically significant person, place, or event, explanation of why it is historically
significant, & a photo.
6. Population -Total population; Population density in square miles (not kilometers)
7. Religion (most commonly practiced)
8. Government -Type of government
9. Choose one of the following and give one example and a photo:
Local attire
Foods & diet
Recreation & sports
10. Note cards- 3 x 5 note cards with information to guide your presentation
11. Pronunciation- Use dictionary.com or Google the correct pronunciation of words. May not ask teacher
how to pronounce words.
12. Presentation- Evidence that student practiced prior to presentation.
13. Time- 2-5 minute time limit. Cannot be less than 2 minutes cannot be more than 5 minutes.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWIN IF YOU WISH TO OBTAIN EXTRA CREDIT:
A. Authentic Food Sample with Recipe.
It must be homemade. The recipe should be typed on a 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.
Provide plates, bowls, napkins, serving utensils, or any other thing necessary to sample the food.
Note: Parents if you expect your child to bring the utensils and serving tools home, please label those
items and nag your child daily until they remember to bring them home. At Christmas Break any
remaining items left at school will be discarded.
B. Music Presentation - Find a music style, band, singer, or instrumental group that is culturally
significant your country. Music will need to be burned to a CD and given to the teacher for approval.
The music must be approved by the teacher prior to December 1st. All music must be school
appropriate. Students must include information about the music style, band, singer, or instrumental
group. If the music includes instruments, the student must bring a picture of the instruments or the
instrument itself if possible. Final copy of the music must be submitted on a CD. Music cannot be
submitted on iTunes, or on an iPod.
Worksheet for Pre-Travel
____
Name
General Information
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The official name of the country is _______________________________________________________________
The continent the country is in is ________________________________________________________________
The bordering countries and / or oceans are ________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
The coordinates of geographic center are __________________________________________________________
The official language(s) of the country are (List only two if more than that.)
Travel Plans
6.
Dates of Travel (a two-week period) from ___________________ to ___________________________________
7.
Means of Travel (airline) to and from the country.
8.
Total cost of Travel ___________________________________________________________________________
9.
Accommodations (where you will stay) ___________________________________________________________
10.
Cost of Accommodations (for the full two weeks) __________________________________________________
11.
Type of Currency used in your country ___________________________________________________________
12.
Clothing Needed (consider season you are traveling in/ culturally appropriate clothing)
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Land
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Area in Square Miles __________________________________________________________________________
Highest Elevation (Place and the height) __________________________________________________________
Lowest Elevation (Place and the height) ___________________________________________________________
Type of Climate ______________________________________________________________________________
Average Temperature _________________________________________________________________________
Major Landforms (The name at least two). _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Water forms (The name at least two and cannot be an ocean)_____________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Major Wars or Conflicts _______________________________________________________________________
Famous Native People and why they are famous (name two)
A.__________________________________________________________________________________________
B.__________________________________________________________________________________________
Population
22.
Most recent population on record ________________________________________________________________
23.
Three Largest Cities and their populations _________________________________________________________
______________________________________
24.
Majority Ethnic Group ________________________________________________________________________
25.
Minority Ethnic Group ________________________________________________________________________
26.
Birth Rate _____________________________
Death Rate ______________________________________
27.
Life Expectancy Men: ________________________
Women:_________________________
Religion
28.
Official religion ______________________________________________________________________________
29.
Other common religions. ______________________________________________________________________
Foods and Diet
30.
Typical Diet _________________________________________________________________________________
31.
Meals / Dishes _______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
32.
Customs Relating to Meals or Eating _____________________________________________________________
Greetings and Gestures
33.
Verbal or Physical Greetings ___________________________________________________________________
Recreation and Sports
34.
Popular Recreations or Sports ___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
35.
Professional Sports ___________________________________________________________________________
The Arts
36.
Music of the Country and / or Musicians __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
37.
Literature of the Country and / or Writers _________________________________________________________
38.
Paintings or Pieces of Art of the Country and / or Artists _____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Local Attire
39.
Modern Daily Dress __________________________________________________________________________
40.
Historic / Traditional Dress or Costumes __________________________________________________________
Government
41.
Chief of State or Head of Government (name and date of office) _______________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
42.
43.
44.
Type of Government _________________________________________________________________________
National Anthem ( Title )______________________________________________________________________
Capital City _________________________________________________________________________________
Economy (at least two for each category)
45.
Natural Resources ____________________________________________________________________________
46.
Agricultural Products _________________________________________________________________________
47.
Industries __________________________________________________________________________________
Education
48.
How many years does a student have to attend school? _______________________________________________
49.
Literacy Rate Men: ________________________
Women:_________________________
RUBRIC AND INSTRUCTIONS
PHASE 2: COMMERCIAL PRESENTATION
DUE DATE: NOVEMBER 13 - 15, 2012
REQUIREMENTS FOR T.V. or RADIO COMMERCIAL:
 Script: You must submit on the day of your presentation a typed script for your commercial.
o The following are required to be in your script:
 The location of your country.
 A description of its place both physical characteristics and human characteristics.
 At least two historical landmarks.
 At least one important landform.
 The name of the hotel where people can stay.
 Some types of foods that travelers can expect to eat while there.
 At least two other activities that travelers can participate in while there.
 The cost of the trip.
 Presentation: (Choose one of the following formats)
o In Class Acted Out T.V. Ad: A friend/s in your hour can assist you in acting out a script that
you present as though it were being recorded for a T.V. commercial. Props and/or costumes are
required for this format. You must memorize your script; your partner may read from the script.
If working with a partner, it is highly encouraged that you practice with your partner prior to
presenting.
o In Class Radio Narrative: If you are an exceptionally vivid writer who needs no visuals or in
class dramatizations then you can narrate a commercial. You must memorize your script.
o Video Presentation: A previously recorded narrative or dramatized commercial involving you
and/or another actor. The recording must play on Windows Media Player and audio should be at
levels to be heard. Pre-Screen this and test this at home to ensure it works. Submit one day
early. You must memorize your script.
RUBRIC FOR A GOOD GRADE:
20% - It MUST be memorized and well prepared.
20% - It should be creative, organized, and witty. The presentation should make others want to travel to
your country. (Use props, visuals, sound effects, music, humor etc.)
20% - Script is free of spelling / capitalization / punctuation errors. And it must be school appropriate.
40% - All information must be accurate and all information required must be included.
PHASE 2 RUBRIC
Student Name:
Country Name:
Memorization/ Well Prepared/ Shows planning and effort.
0%
10%
15%
20%
Not memorized/No script
Totally memorized/ Well done/ Props/Costume
Creativity
0%
10%
Sounded and looked like a report
15%
Neat and Free of Errors in Script
0%
10%
Done at the last minute, little effort put in to it.
15%
Information Required
10%
15%
Few details and elements covered
30%
20%
20%
Sounded and looked like a commercial.
20%
Showed effort and organized.
40%
All required information covered.
Phase 3: Post-Travel Presentation
Due Date: Weeks of December 10th – 14th on your assigned date.
December 17th is the Make Up day: Only Granted by Permission.
200 points
Directions: You will create a Prezi including the required information listed below over your assigned country.
All presentations will be graded according to the attached rubric. Additional information or photos may be
included as long as the 5 minute time limit is not exceeded. The goal of this assignment is for students to give a
visual report summarizing the information they learned about their country over the course of the semester.
Students will need to create their own Prezi account using an email address (if they do not have an email they
can use a parents email address). Prezi accounts are free. Students can put the information in their Prezi in any
order (Prezi path) they want as long as the presentation begins with their country name. Extra credit is also
available in this phase. Extra credit specifics were passed out in class and are available on my website.
1. The name of your country
2. Your name
3. General Information
Language & Continent
4. Land
Type of Climate Region
Land Area in square miles (not kilometers)
5. History
One historically significant person, place, or event, explanation of why it is historically
significant, & a photo.
6. Population
Total population
Population density in square miles (not kilometers)
7. Religion (most commonly practiced)
8. Government
Type of government
9. Choose one of the following and give one example and a photo:
Local attire
Foods & diet
Recreation & sports
10. Note cards
3 x 5 note cards with information to guide your presentation
11. Pronunciation
Use dictionary.com or Google the correct pronunciation of words. May not ask teacher how to
pronounce words.
12. Presentation
Evidence that student practiced prior to presentation.
13. Time
2-5 minute time limit. Cannot be less than 2 minutes cannot be more than 5 minutes.
Festival of Cultures Phase 3 Rubric
Country Name
_____________/5
Student name
____________/5
General info
Language
Continent
____________/10
Type of Climate Region
p. 63 of textbook
____________/5
Land Area in square miles
____________/5
Historically significant person, place, or event.
Explain why it is significant
Photo
____________/10
Total Population
____________/5
Population Density in square miles
____________/5
Religion (most commonly practiced)
____________/5
Type of Government
____________/5
Choose 1 of the following and give one example
and a photo:
Local Attire
Foods & Diet
Recreation & Sports
____________/10
____________/10
3 x 5 note cards with information to guide your
presentation
Pronunciation
Use dictionary.com or Google the correct
pronunciation of words. May not ask teacher how
to pronounce words.
____________/5
Presentation
Evidence that student practiced prior to
presentation.
____________/10
Time
2-5 minute time limit. Cannot be less than 2
minutes cannot be more than 5 minutes.
____________/5
Total points
____________/100 x 2
Assignment is weighted twice for a 200 point final
grade.
CHOOSE ONE OF THE FOLLOWIN IF YOU WISH TO OBTAIN EXTRA CREDIT:
1. Authentic Food Sample with Recipe.
It must be homemade. The recipe should be typed on an 8 ½ x 11 sheet of paper.
Provide plates, bowls, napkins, serving utensils, or any other thing necessary to sample the food.
Note: Parents if you expect your child to bring the utensils and serving tools home, please label those
items and nag your child daily until they remember to bring them home. At Christmas Break any
remaining items left at school will be discarded.
2. Music Presentation
Find a music style, band, singer, or instrumental group that is culturally significant your country. The music
must be approved by the teacher prior to December 1st. All music must be school appropriate. Students must
include information about the music style, band, singer, or instrumental group. If the music includes instruments,
the student must bring a picture of the instruments or the instrument itself if possible. Music can be submitted via
email (mp3), CD, flash drive, or the student can play it from their iPod.