TASK | PROCESS | RESOURCES | CONCLUSION | STUDENT

 

 

THE TASK

You have just begun to learn about the Aztec and Mayan civilizations as part of the Destinos storyline for lessons 28-35, which involve an archeological dig. In order to increase your knowledge of these ancient native cultures, you will conclude this segment of the course by choosing a topic which you wish to pursue in greater depth. I have suggested a number of topics which relate to these civilizations, but you are free to expand the choices. You will then do a PowerPoint presentation in which you share your research with your classmates. In the process, you will learn how to do an web search, to multi-task and to create a PowerPoint presentation. Your project will be done in Spanish.

THE PROCESS

  1. You will select a topic that interests you, either from the list provided or in consultation with your teacher.
  2. You will use Internet resources to research your topic.
  3. In your LAN account, you will create a document in Claris Works in which you make a notecard for each web sitewith appropriate annotations.
  4. Once your research is complete, you will learn how to create a PowerPoint presentation.
  5. You will create 10 slides, including an opening page and a bibliography. Each slide will contain graphics as well as text. The text will be summary points written in the target language to help you convey to your classmates the wealth of knowledge you have gained in your research. Remember, these summary points are not paragraphs, they are just an outline of your presentation.
  6. To access graphics on the web, you will return to your note cards to find the address. Select the address and paste it into the location area of Netscape. When the graphic appears, click and hold the image and select "copy this image." You may then return to PowerPoint to paste it on your card.
  7. You must gain permission to use copyrighted graphics by writing to the author or the artist. These permissions need to be part of your bibliography.
  8. Your bibliography should be according to the MLA citation rules and hyperlinked to the source where appropriate.
  9. You will use these slides to illustrate and summarize points you are making in your presentation.
  10. Your presentation will be graded according to a rubric.

RESOURCES

Pre-Columbian Culture
http://udgftp.cencar.udg.mx/cgi-bin/imagemap/eweb2?393,196

Mayan Ruins
http://www.netaxs.com/~mckenzie/

The World of an Culture
http://www.yucatan.com.mx/mayas/mapaengl.htm

Geography/cities in Mexico
http://mexico-travel.com/destinations/estados.html

Archeological Sites
http://mexico-travel.com/activities/arqueologicos.html

Guidebook to Mexico
http://www.globalreports.com:80/mexico/guide/gu.htm

CONCLUSION

During the course of this project you will become more proficient in writing in Spanish. You will also expand upon your knowledge of an aspect of the Aztec or Mayan civilizations. An important aspect of this project is your actual delivery of the presentation to your peers because an more in-depth understanding of these civilizations will emerge as each of you contributes your "piece to the puzzle."

The technological goal of this project is to give you an understanding of how the computer can be used as a tool in your everyday studies. You will learn how to use internet resources to research a topic related to our study of Mexico. You will reinforce your e-mail skills through correspondence with experts in the field. You will become proficient in multitasking as you save your information to a Claris Work document you have opened in your server account. You will learn how to work in PowerPoint to create a multimedia presentation. You will practice your analytical and your organizational skills as you select the text and the graphics you will include on your slides which will illustrate your oral presentation. Lastly, you will have the opportunity to develop your communication skills as you deliver a formal presentation to your classmates.

 

This project was designed by Maryanne Boettjer, for Germantown Academy Upper school Spanish with technical assistance from Carol Siwinski, Curricular Technology Specialist.

May 29, 1998