Social Studies Current Events Project                

History isn’t just the distant past. History is being made all the time. That’s why we’re beginning a current events project. This project will help you connect the present with the past, by presenting and explaining significant events that are taking place in our world today.

For this project, you’ll research a current event that is historically or politically significant and present to the class an explanation about the event and why it is important. Historically or politically significant means that the topic of your article relates to the study of history. Sports or entertainment articles are not appropriate. Use your best judgment. If you are not sure if an article is appropriate, ask me and I will advise you. The current event must reflect the curriculum. For example, US History current events must relate to US History, just as Economics current events should be economics related and PIG current events should reflect themes having to do with government.

The article that your current event presentation is based on should be relatively recent, published within 3 weeks of the date you present. Each student will be assigned a date for presenting. 2-3 students will present each class. If you are absent on the day of your presentation, you will automatically present the day you return to class. The presentation schedule will not change because someone is absent. The schedule will be posted in the classroom. A copy of your source must be shown to me after the presentation.

Each presentation is be worth 30 points. In your presentation, you should explain why the event is important, not just retell the whole current event. Summarize what the current event is about and explain why the event is important. In addition, each presenter needs to have a PowerPoint presentation to use as a visual aid. The visual aid will be displayed on the SmartBoard.

The grading criteria are posted below so you can see exactly how you will be evaluated. Presentations need not be long, only of a good quality. Each presentation must be a minimum of 2 minutes and a maximum of 3 minutes. Be careful, speaking for 2 minutes is longer than you might think! Good luck. See me if you have any questions.

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Current Event Presentation Evaluation Form

 Each category is worth 5 or 10 points. The total point value is 30. 

Component:	Points:
Summary of current event and explanation why the event current event is important.	_______ of 10 points.
PowerPoint presentation (visual aid to help convey current event presentation.)	_______ of 10 points.
Length (presentation is at least 2 minutes long but not longer that 3 minutes.)	_______ of 5 points.
Presentation technique (standing straight, making eye contact, serious appearance.)	_______ of 5 points.
Final score:	_______ points.