Social Studies 7           Mrs. Gould              Ms. Tesoriero

Project:  The American Land

Due:………………………..   Penalty for lateness 

Geographic knowledge can help to clarify controversial issues.  This project will help you to increase your geographic knowledge and to use that knowledge to formulate a position about a current controversy.

Here are the main steps to be followed in completing this project:

1.      Choose one of the topics listed below.  Read articles about the topic.  Be able to

explain the controversial issue described in the articles.  You will need to highlight    the relevant parts of the articles.

Topics:

1.      Should national forest and national park lands be used for recreation?

2.      Should national forest and national park lands be used to increase the nation’s energy supply?

3.      Should the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina be rebuilt?

2.      Research the place where the controversy is occurring.  Find out about its land, climate, population and location. 

3.      Find pictures of the region’s geographic features  (Ex. mountains, rivers, plateaus, canyons, prairie).

4.      Locate the region on a map of the US.

5.      Write a persuasive essay in which you explain the controversial issue, take a stand on the issue, and use its geography and other information to support your stand. 

 

Your completed project will include:

1.      Persuasive essay.  In this essay, approximately 2 pages long if typed, (longer if handwritten, neatly in ink) you will explain the issue, take a stand on the issue, and use research about land, climate, population and location to support your position.

2.      Pictures of the region’s geographic features.  Pictures may be actual, traced, sketched, computer generated, or good quality photocopies.  Pictures must have original captions.

3.      Map – Using a map of the United States, label and color the geographic region related to your topic.

4.      Bibliography – A list of sources must be included.  Please follow the format given out in class.

You may find the following internet sources helpful:

www.census.gov (population information)

www.50states.com (maps, brief factual information)

www.state.         .us (Insert the 2 letter postal abbreviation for the state in the space.)

members.aol.com/GeographyWorld (many links)

www.cnn.com (current news)

Other online news websites can also be used.

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Below are some important dates: (Please record these dates in your assignment book and on your home calendar.)

Topic due:…………………………………………..

(After this date, you may not change your topic.)

Notes due:…………………………………………..

Introductory paragraph of essay due:………………

Completed project due:…………………………….

 

Signature of parent/guardian…………………………………………..

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 Assessment:  American Land Project

 

  1. All deadlines are met.

  4….                       3….                 2….                 1….

 

  1. The essay includes facts from library research.

  4…..                3…..          2…..          1…..

 

  1. The essay succeeds in persuading.

  4…..                3…..          2…..          1…..

 

  1. The project includes all parts ( essay, visuals, bibliography).

  4…..                3…..          2…..          1…..

 

  1. Neatness, correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling are evident.

  4…..                3…..          2…..          1…..

 

  4 = Excellent           3=Good          2=Fair        1=Poor