Second Nine Weeks Project Directions

OVERVIEW: The Unit Theme during the Second Nine Weeks is Systems and Relationships. We have been discussing the “American Dream” and texts that relate to it, including “The Great Gatsby.” We have also been learning about how to read and write informational texts that display formal style, contain telling graphics, appeal to their audience, follow standard conventions, and explain ideas to readers in an efficient and effective way. Now it is time for you to demonstrate your understanding of the concepts we have covered during the Second Nine Weeks PBL Project.

For this project, you will write an informational text/presentation about the individual you believe best exemplifies the classic “American Dream,” which is that anyone can succeed in America no matter what they look like or where they were born so long as they work hard. You can write about anyone you want (from your favorite athlete or celebrity to a family relative or even yourself), so long as you get my approval first. Your paper will be written in Google Slides in a template I will provide to you. You will write in formal style, add relevant images/graphics, follow standard English grammar and MLA conventions (including a Works Cited page), and inform your reader about your subject in a clear and concise manner.

SCHEDULE: During the week of November 2-6, we will be in the classroom studying the project concept, directions, rubric, and model. You will also select your subject and complete a graphic organizer for your project. During the weeks of November 9-13 and 16-20, we will be in Lab 310 researching, writing, and editing the projects. If you finish the project early, you will serve as a peer editor for your classmates.

STEP-BY-STEP: Please review the information below in detail as it sets forth everything I expect you to accomplish between now and Thanksgiving break:

STEP 1: Choose Your Subject (And If You Need Inspiration/Ideas, Click Here)

STEP 2: Complete the Project Graphic Organizer in Class

STEP 3: Once in the Lab, Sign-In (or Sign-Up) on Google

STEP 4: Open the Project Template

STEP 5: Click "File" then "Make a Copy". Once the copy opens, close the original (YOU SHOULD NEVER EDIT ANYTHING IN THE ORIGINAL) and change the name on your copy (“Last Name, First Name (Block)”)!

STEP 6: Complete Your Project (and DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF THE FORMATTING!)

STEP 7: Edit Your Project & Works Cited Page (Must Have At Least 3 Citations)

STEP 8: If You Finish Early, Help a Peer with Their Project for Extra Credit

STEP 9: Submit Your Project as a Comment to “Project Submissions”

ASSESSMENT: Your work during the week of November 2-6 will be graded under PBL Check 3, and your performance in the labs from November 9-20 will be graded under PBL Check 4, PBL: Anchor Activity, and PBL: Participation. This project will therefore account for approximately 30% of your Second Nine Weeks grade.

RESOURCES: Below are links to the Google and MLA resources that we reviewed in class. These resources will help you with the project if you need direction. Also, remember to review the rubric and model if you have any questions about my expectations.

Google Slides Help

MLA Formatting and Style Guide

MLA In-Text Citations

MLA Works Cited Page – Basic Format

MLA Works Cited Page – Electronic Sources

MLA Sample Paper

MLA Sample Works Cited Page