Unit 3 Essential Question Project

Directions: As with the other projects for this course, you will be given several weeks with the
expectation that you will demonstrate several skills. The goal of your project is to develop
your skills in research, use of evidence, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, and communication
(both verbal and nonverbal). A major part of this project is to complete an individual
portfolio, which will include research on your topic (minimum of two different sources), an
evaluative response for each research article, and a non-text representation of your ideas
(graph, chart, political cartoon, symbolic representation, etc.); this will culminate with a
group/individual presentation.
Essential Question(s): As America develops, what patterns are evident?
Why do values change over time?
Why does conflict keep emerging?
Are we just repeating past mistakes or are we making
progress?
How do we get new innovations?
How do Americans react to change?
How does government promote change?
What is the relationship between individualism and
conformity?
What causes the economy to fluctuate?
Why does group superiority continue to be a problem?
Research and evaluative responses: seek out at least two sources that give you facts and
information about the essential questions. These should be expansive enough that you can
use them for evidence in the presentation. Avoid using general overviews/opinions on
patterns in America; while thatll give you some ideas, it may not help with providing
evidence for those ideas. Read them before you decide they can help. Then, craft a halfpage response for EACH article that explains why you chose it and how you can use it to
address the essential questions.
Component
Research

Advanced
I reference multiple
credible sources and
each source is
necessary to my
argument. I use
correct MLA format.

Evaluation

Clearly and critically

proves argument by
making a reasoned
judgment based upon
thorough
examination of all
sides.

Proficient
I reference multiple
credible sources, but
only a select few are
necessary to my
argument. I have a
few MLA formatting
errors.
Proves argument by
making a reasoned
judgment based upon
thorough
examination of all
sides.

Needs Improvement
I reference sources,
but they are not
credible or necessary
to my argument. I
have many MLA
formatting errors.

Unsatisfactory
I do not reference
my sources and/or
my sources are not
credible. I do not
use MLA format.

Attempts to prove
argument by making
a judgment based
upon an examination
of all sides.

Does not make

sufficient judgment
to prove the
argument. Little to
no consideration of
all sides.

Non-Text Representation: As a supplement to your research portfolio, you are expected to

create a large graphic representation of your findings; this should be at least the size of a 2 x
3 piece of poster board or butcher paper. This can be as straightforward as a graph or chart,
as creative as a political cartoon, or as abstract as a symbolic representation of the
information. This must be an original work, so do NOT simply copy a graph or chart
you find in your research. If necessary, include a few sentences on the back to explain the
visuals.
Non-Text
Representation

Advanced
Work is effectively
engaging to the audience.

Proficient
Work is engaging to the
audience.

Needs Improvement
Work is somewhat
engaging to the audience.

Unsatisfactory
Work is not engaging to
the audience.

Sizes and colors are used

purposefully and
professionally.

Sizes and colors are used

with intent.

Sizes and colors may seem

haphazard.

Sizes and colors are

sloppy.

Text and images support

the intended message.

Text and images may

distract from the intended
message.

Text and images distract

from the intended
message, due to poor
quality or lack of
connection.

All text and images

effectively support the
intended message.

Argumentative Presentation: On February 16, everyone will be expected to present a 5-8 min.
argumentative speech on their research/visuals. The purpose is to demonstrate your research
and skills, so it must be thesis-driven and must thoroughly elaborate on your thesis. The
speech should also be creative and engaging, so please use language and digital technologies
to purposefully enhance the presentation. Lastly, if working in a group, all members must
have an equal role in the presentation; groups must be no larger than three students.