Quarter 4 Social Studies Extra Credit Guidelines
Projects should be done individually.
Each project is worth 15 points.
The maximum extra credit one person can do is 1 project.
Projects may be worked on during class time if and only if required work is already completed; otherwise,
extra credit must be completed at home.
Extra credit work is OPTIONAL.
Projects must be presented to the whole class. Students must pre-arrange with the teacher to schedule the
presentation. All projects are due by May 20; late work will not be accepted. Presentations will be scheduled
for the week of May 25.
Newspaper Report on a topic from Westward Expansion
Find out more about a topic such as the gold rush, the
Pony Express,. Prepare a newspaper report to answer
these the 5 Ws:
Who is this about?
What is important about this group or event?
When did this event happen?
Why did it happen?
Where did this event happen?
Must include pictures and/or maps with captions
that support the article
Include at least 3 paragraphs with headings/subheadings
Be neatly typed or hand-written
Design should mimic a newspaper
Diorama
Create a diorama that captures a key scene in a unit
we are studying. It must:
Be at least 4”x5”x8”
Be self-standing
Have all interior space covered with relevant
pictures and information
Name written on the back in permanent ink
Have an information card/title attached to
diorama.
Biography Powerpoint or Prezi:
Pick a person from the Westward Expansion
unit you would like to know more about.
Pages should be clear and include graphics.
You must include:
o Who they are (dates)
o Relevant background information
o Why are they famous
o Interesting details about their role in
Westward Expansion
Play
Present a Lewis and Clark play with 16 students. See
Mrs. Webb for play scripts. Students who participate in
roles are all eligible for 15 points extra credit. Play
must be:
Well presented
Props or costumes encouraged
Memorization of lines not necessary
Board Game
Pamphlet
Research the challenges that settlers faced on their
journey west. Students should include in their research
additional information on reasons for expansion, as well
as obstacles and challenges during the actual journey.
Research a cultural group from the American West
you want to learn more about (like Mexicanos, a
particular Native tribe, Mormons, 49ers etc). Look for
information about what life was like for that group.
Use this information create a pamphlet. Pamphlet:
Use this information to create a board game about
westward expansion. Provide opportunities for
classmates to play the new game.
It must include:
o 4 thematic game pieces
o At least 25 colored thematic squares
o At least 20 question/activity cards
o Include a complete set of rules for playing the
game
o It must be at least the size of an open file folder
(11”x17”)
o Must be 8.5” x11” in 3-fold format; front fold
has title/picture
o Must include both pictures and text
o Information should be in paragraph form with
at least 5 facts included
Life in the West - Scrapbook
Find resources that explore what life was like in the West
where you can explore the people, places, dress, music, food,
religion, and many more aspects of this era. Prepare a
scrapbook to share with the class about what you learned.
The cover of the scrapbook must have a meaningful title
and the student’s name
Must have at least 5 themed pages
Each page will have at least 2 pictures
All photos must have captions/explanations
YOUR family tree
What history can you share from your family tree?
Create a family tree chart that goes back as far as you can.
Document names, dates and locations.
Are there significant historical events your ancestors
participated in?
Make a timeline to highlight any significant historical events.
“I Have, Who Has?” Game
Create an “I have, Who Has” game with key concepts
from chapter 16 & 17.
Your game must “loop” so the end question returns to
the first card.
There should be 25 cards in your loop.
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