US History A: Progressive Era PBL

Driving Question: What National Problems Should We Solve NOW?

America today is a nation full of innovation, advancement, and access. Technology has improved not only our working lives, but also our social lives. The United States is one of the largest world powers, working to spread democracy globally, and our entrepreneurial spirit proves the American Dream can still be achieved. Yet, amidst all of this, America is challenged daily by varying trials and tribulations. It is unrealistic that every problem in America can be fixed at the drop of a hat, so the question is:

What national problems should we solve now?

The Task: The group task is to create a public service announcement psa that answers
the driving question: How can we solve one of the biggest problems facing America today? With a group you will choose one of the 8 current topics provided to you. You will research this issue to determine four things: What is the problem, How did it become a problem, What is your proposed solution to the problem, and how does the problem relate to a similar issue from the Progressive Era, historical comparison is a must. With these four criteria you will create a public service announcement (PSA) informing the public about the issue, your PSA must be in video format which will be presented in class. The best PSAs will be sent to Mr. Scott Croley, a lawyer for President Obama.

Project Requirements:
Public Service Announcement (PSA)- Your PSA will be created using Google Apps, and must be between 4-7 minutes in length. Your PSA must answer all four questions listed in the task description. PSA Script- Along with the video presentation, you must turn in a written script of what was said in the video. In the script you will also cite any sources that may have been used. You are required to use at least 7 sources (5 sources for the current topic, and 2 historical sources) We will provide your groups with your first source as a starting off point, the others your group will be responsible for finding. Historical sources may include lessons taught in class associated with your topic. The script must also indicate individual group participation. Resource List- As you research, you will individually fill out a resource note guide. On this you will state what resources you have visited along with notes taken pertaining to the source. This list can include sources not used in the project. We

will give your group their first resource to use. You can find it on this website https://modernissuesuswo.wikispaces.com Self- Reflection- After the project is complete you will individually complete a selfreflection. This will help me gage your take away from the project

Project Roles: This will NOT be your only responsibility. These roles are what will be required of you ABOVE and BEYOND the responsibility you already have to your team to
give your full effort and actively contribute in order to complete project requirements Leader- You will be in charge of managing your group. You will keep track of progress, and make sure group members are on task and motivated. You will be responsible for meeting with the teacher briefly at the start of each project day to discuss group progress Task Manager- You will be in charge of completing a group task log throughout the project. This will show what your group has accomplished on each work day. You must also hold group members accountable for any due dates. Organization Manager- You will be in charge of holding on to any and all documents your group may accumulate throughout the project. You will be expected to come prepared to every group work day with these documents, and any other resources your group has. Technology Specialist- Since this project is conducted largely through technology, you will be your groups go-to guy that assists with technology needs. You will use your technology expertise to encourage creative, out of the ordinary project design ideas.

Grade Breakdown:
Category and Weight Timeliness 20% Message/Content 20% Unsatisfactory Less than 2 minutes Message was unclear. Position on issue was not explained or supported. Acceptable Between 2-6 minutes Message was clear and memorable. Position on issue explained and Advanced Between 6-7 minutes Message was clear, persuasive, and informative. Position on

Little or no evidence of critical thinking or examination of different aspects of issue. Few or no recommendations for new policies or legislation. No research evident.

documented. Some laws or policies on issue adequately justified and demonstrated, There are a few recommendations for new policies or legislation. Between 2-5 resources evident (cited on script).

issue thoroughly explained and documented using 5-7 sources (cited on script). Laws or policies on issue clearly justified, demonstrated, and supported by multiple sources, specifically states recommendations for new legislation or policies. Technology used is distinguished. The camera is still and focused throughout. The recording is clear and loud enough to be heard. Background sounds and effects blend with PSAs message

Technical Production 20%

Technology is not used appropriately for the desired output. The camera is shaky and unfocused. The recording is unclear and/or not loud enough to be heard. Background sounds and effects absent or distract from the PSAs message. Background and history of issue brief or incomplete with little or no documentation (cited in script), Little evidence of research. Performance appeared unrehearsed. Not all team members participate, only one or two speak. Tone and voice rarely convey emotions and enthusiasm. PSA design is dull and loses the attention of the majority of the audience for almost all of the presentation.

Technology used is adequate. The camera shakes occasionally making visibility difficult. Most of the recording is clear and loud enough to be heard. Background sounds and effects sometimes distract from the PSAs message. Background and history of issue adequately discussed and documented; included specific dates of legislation or policies. Some evidence of research (cited in script). Performers were well rehearsed made few mistakes. All team members participate but not equally. Tone and voice at times convey emotions and enthusiasm, but inconsistent.PSA design is sufficient yet lacks uniqueness, and only grabs the attention of the audience for half of the presentation.

Historical Content 20%

Background and history of issue thoroughly discussed and documented; dates of major legislation or policy decisions included. Thorough research evident (cited in script). Performers were well rehearsed and performed without mistakes. All team members participate equally. Tone and voice convey emotions and enthusiasm. PSA design is unique and captivates the audiences attention the entire time.

Performance 20%