For this activity, you will choose one of the topics below to research and write a short, 1-2 page essay. Your essay should clearly explain and briefly illustrate your research.
Topic Choices:
The 9/11 Attacks
The Watergate scandal
Selma to Montgomery March
Battle of Gettysburg
The Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Internment of Japanese Americans during WWII
2017 Women’s March on Washington
Choose your own topic/event (please be sure to have it approved by your teacher first)
After choosing your topic, you will need to find a minimum of two primary and two secondary sources to perform your research. Sources should be varied in their format (i.e. visual, quantitative, oral or written).
Now for the best part—you will also be publishing your work online! In order to share your research, sources, and essay, you will create a simple website/blog to showcase all of your hard work. Some potential blog/site hosts that are acceptable and free to use include:
Weebly.com
Wordpress.com
(If you choose to use a different platform from those listed above, make sure you get teacher permission).
In addition to your essay, your website/blog should include and meet all of the following:
A clear and relevant title for your website/blog (this may be the same title as your essay)
A variety of primary and secondary sources for your research
A variety of print and digital sources for your research
At least three graphics on your website/blog that pertain to your essay
At least one chart or table that relates to your topic and/or research
A vocabulary list with at least five key words and definitions that relate to your topic
A section that relates current events to the historical event you chose
A section that analyzes the events leading up to your event and whether or not these events were the cause of your event or simply preceded your event
A concluding statement analyzing the implications or significance of your event
A list of your sources, including the title, date and origin of each
A reflection (3-4 paragraphs) discussing the primary and secondary sources you used. Your reflection should address the following:
A brief summary of each source, analyzing any central ideas or information
In what ways were the primary and secondary sources the same and in what ways were they different?
How did you know each source was credible?
How did the tone and language differ between them?
How were the structures of each source different?
Did the point of view differ among the sources and if so, how?
How was each type useful?
You have the freedom to organize and design your website/blog however you see fit. Get creative! You can experiment with multiple tabs, links, colors, and design choices. Just make sure that you include all of the requirements listed above. And don’t forget, even though the website/blog is an important part of this activity, the researching and writing are what really needs to shine!
