ASSESSMENT ONE
Save George Washington!
Part I - Argument Outline
Create and print a sentence outline containing your final arguments and refutations as to why George Washington was justified in rebelling against Great Britain. Use the resources below to guide you in the successful completion of your final outline.
Resources
- Colonial Argument Against Great Britain Graphic Organizer (Pages / Word)
- Rights of Englishmen P-E-E-R Outline (Pages / Word)
- Social Studies Outline Rubric (PDF)
Submission Instructions
- Print your sentence outline and have it ready to show before entering class
- Upload a digital copy of your sentence outline to Edmodo
Part II - Closing Argument Video (Sample)
Using PhotoBooth or iMovie, record yourself delivering a :90 second (maximum) closing argument to a trial jury. The video should be done in one continuous take and focus on eye contact with the camera. Refrain from looking at your notes or information on your laptop screen when delivering your closing argument. In addition to practicing good eye contact, also focus on using persuasive language, and be confident. Fake it until you make it!
Your closing argument needs to include the following:
- An attention getting hook at the opening (quote, statistic, question)
- Summarization of your main arguments as to why the colonists had the right to rebel against Great Britain. Use this opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of history by including specific historical terminology (key terms, dates, people, etc.)
- Identify the arguments Great Britain made against the Colonists and explain why those arguments are wrong.
- Conclude your closing statement with strength and an emotional appeal that engages your audience.
- Use vivid emotive language. Reiterate your theme that England violated the colonists rights as Englishmen and therefore, George Washington should be acquitted (found not guilty).
Submission Instructions (Handout)
First, upload your :90 second closing argument to your blog using the instructions below. Second, submit the link to your completed blog post to Edmodo.
- Blog title: Save George Washington!
- Tags: armstrong history 8, effective communicator
- Submit link to blog post to Edmodo
ASSESSMENT TWO
Political Manifesto
Objective:
Use your knowledge of the events surrounding the American Revolution, as well as your understanding of the philosophy of government expressed by John Locke and Thomas Jefferson to create an oral presentation that will accomplish the following tasks:
- Proclaim your political philosophy regarding the question, "What's the purpose of government?"
- Provide an analysis and critique either in support or opposition to a government action. The government action you choose may be domestic (federal, state, local) or foreign.
Schedule:
Phase 1 / Week 1: Research topic selection and submit EasyBib research
- Read news articles from reputable newspapers, magazines, or news websites that report on an issue involving the actions of a domestic (federal, state, or local level) or foreign government.
- Gather facts, statistics, quotes that relate to the government’s actions (EasyBib Outline Categories)
- Complete EasyBib research outline and submit research outline to Edmodo (EasyBib Submission Instructions)
Phase 2 / Week 2: Political Manifesto project outline and presentation
- Complete Political Manifesto Outline (Pages)
- Prepare final project presentation (3 minute minimum, 5 minuted max, ONE 3x5 index card allowed)
Phase 3 / Week 3: "What's the purpose of government?" presentations
- Political Manifesto Project Presentation Guide
- Political Manifesto Presentation Rubric
- Sample Student Political Manifesto Presentation
- **Election Year Political Manifesto Sample Presentations (Student 1 / Student 2)
- Peer Feedback Form - Political Manifesto Presentation
** The topics and presentation format for the election year political manifesto presentations is different from the non-election year political manifesto presentations.
Resources
Use the resources below to assist you in your search for current event topics.
News Sites
Example Research Topics
Russia
India United States California
Marin |
Myanmar (Burma)
North Korea
Sudan |