Download 1920s Project - Spectrum Loves Social Studies

1920s Project
We are going to learn about many different aspects of American life during the
1920s. It was one of the most interesting decades in American history and I want
you to discover that. Instead of me teaching you all about it, you are going to teach.
In small groups, you will research and then present information about one part of
American culture or politics in the 20s.
Requirements
STAY ON TASK: I will watch you as you research and work in your groups. If you stay on task
and work hard, you will receive a high grade. If you joke around and waste time, I will take points
off. You will have time to work on your netbooks. You will also have time to work together in the
classroom. Make the best use of your time and know that I am watching you!
PAPER: Each group must prepare a half-page paper about their topic. You only need one
paper per group. This paper should include all of the research done as well as the sources used. It
must be typed, double-spaced, and in size 12 Times New Roman font. You must use at least 3
quality websites (not Wikipedia) in your research and you must NOT copy information for your
paper! Group members, help each other out here. Since there is only one paper per group, your
grade depends on the paper being original work and not someone else’s words.
PRESENTATION: This is the most important part of the project. You must present the
information you researched to the class. Your presentations must be between 7 and 10 minutes
and include every member of the group. Be as creative as possible in presenting your information.
You may show a video to the class or act something out, but must also “teach” for some of the
time. Each group MUST have some sort of visual aid. Pictures, props, or costumes are some things
that would fulfill this requirement. If you are not sure about this, ask me!
HANDOUT: Each presentation must make some sort of handout or worksheet for the class.
This can be a note-taking guide, an activity, or extra information. There should be something for
the class to do on the handout. You must give me your handout the day before you present so
that I can make copies for the class.
How you will be graded
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Your group will receive a collective (all the same) grade on the paper.
Your group will receive a collective (all the same) grade on the handout.
Group members will receive individual grades on the presentation (all must be involved!)
Group members will fill out a short form explaining their own contribution to the
project and the contribution of all others to the project. This can hurt or help your total
grade.
Group members will receive individual grades on their ability to stay on task during the
research time.
Total Points for the Project:
Paper: 5
Handout: 5
Presentation: 10
Staying on Task: 5
Total: 25 points
Topics
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Communism and the Red Scare: What is communism? How were communists or
suspected communists treated? What did the communist cause accomplish? Who were
some of the most important people involved in this?
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Prohibition and the Mafia: What is prohibition? What culture developed because of
prohibition? How did prohibition lead to smuggling? Who were some of the most
important or famous members of gangs/the mafia during this time?
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Sports and Fads: What sports were popular in America during the 1920s? Why did
sports become more popular in general? Who were some of the biggest sports stars of
the 1920s? What weird fads caught on during the 1920s? How did many people spend
their free time?
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Jazz: What is jazz music? Where, when, and why did it develop? Who were the most
popular jazz musicians during the 1920s? How did jazz music shape the culture of the
20s?
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Dance and fashion: What were the popular dance styles of the 1920s? Why was
dancing important? What is a flapper? What fashions were popular during the 1920s?
How did the older generation react differently to this than the younger generation?
DO NOT fill out this topic list until I GIVE YOU your topic and your group members!
My Topic ____________________________________________
My Group Members
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