Unit 6: Language Arts and Social Studies combined Portfolio

Research and Present

In this portfolio, you will develop an oral presentation that answers a research question.  You will present your claims and findings, supporting them with facts and examples.  You will add art and graphics to help listeners understand your findings.  You will learn to use your voice and body to connect with your audience and convey your key ideas.  

In addition, this one portfolio will count for two grades - your portfolio grade in Language Arts and your portfolio grade in Social Studies!  Your grade in Language Arts will be determined by the video presentation, language and style (word choice and sentence structure), and conventions.  Your grade in Social Studies will be based on the content.  

Below is a step-by-step process to ensure that you are successful on this portfolio.  In addition, we will be covering these skills in our LiveLesson; so, coming to LiveLesson and utilizing the recordings will be essential.  

1. Choose a Topic:

   • Select one of these topics from your Social Studies class:   

     • Utah’s geography or climate

     • Mountain Men

     • Native Americans of Utah

     • Pioneers/Westward expansion 

     • The Great Depression

     • WWII

2. Develop a Question:

   • Turn your chosen topic into a research question.

     • Example: "How did women in the workforce during WWII change the gender dynamics of the USA?"

3. Conduct Research and Develop Claim:

   • Use trusted sources such as .edu, .gov, textbooks, or class articles.

   • Take notes on new information.

   • Ensure your research answers your question.

   • Turn your question into a claim. 

4. Prepare PowerPoint:

   • Create a presentation with 6-8 slides.

   • Include text, graphs, photos, and audio/video files.

   • Title page and citations/sources slide are mandatory.

   • Have a slide, near the end of your presentation, that addresses your research question.

5. Record Presentation:

   • Produce a 2-3 minute video presentation.

   • Clearly explain your research question and the process.

   • Share your findings and how you answered the question.

   • Options for recording: Use Loom.com, a cell phone, or schedule an appointment.

6. Submission:

   • Utilize the 3 work days provided.

   • Upload the PowerPoint to the Drop Box in Unit 14: Lesson 12.

   • Submit the video presentation via text, WebMail, or schedule a live session.