Civil Liberties Final Project: Research paper + presentation
The culminating project will be assigned on the first day of this unit on Civil Liberties.
Directions: You will be researching one topic that relates to civil liberties. This can be something we have already discussed in class or a topic that you are interested in. The final culminating project will include a paper, visual (Prezi or PowerPoint) and in-class presentation. This is an individual project and you will be given time in class to research your topic and work on your project.
We will have two days during this unit to work in the computer lab. The first day in the computer lab is for you to begin researching your topic and the relevant Supreme Court cases. The second lab day should be spent working on your presentation. (Prezi or PowerPoint)
Directions: You will be researching one topic that relates to civil liberties. This can be something we have already discussed in class or a topic that you are interested in. The final culminating project will include a paper, visual (Prezi or PowerPoint) and in-class presentation. This is an individual project and you will be given time in class to research your topic and work on your project.
We will have two days during this unit to work in the computer lab. The first day in the computer lab is for you to begin researching your topic and the relevant Supreme Court cases. The second lab day should be spent working on your presentation. (Prezi or PowerPoint)
Step 1: Select a topic and an essential question
- Chose a topic that you find interesting. You will need to confirm your topic by week 2 of the unit. No more than two students may do their project on the same topic. This is an individual project so if you and one other classmate do have the same topic, I expect the papers and presentations to be your own work.
- The Essential Question should reflect what you have learned about your topic and its significance in our society. This should be your own opinion as long as you can back it up with evidence and support in your paper and presentation.
Step 2: Research paper
- 2-3 pages typed, double spaced, 12 point font
- Introduction: include background information and the significance of the issue to our community
- Body: include at least three Supreme Court cases that influenced the topic you are researching and the impact it made on society. Make sure to include enough details and the outcome of each case.
- Conclusion: include your overall analysis of the topic and where the issue stands today. Please also share your own opinion on the subject.
- Include a Works Cited page and MLA format citations.
Step 3: Create a visual aid
- Prezi or PowerPoint presentation
- Must include visuals and text to tell the story about your topic and answer the essential question. Visuals include: pictures, maps, graphs, video clips, charts, etc.
- Minimum of 10 slides
- Do not include long sentences of text on your slides, bullet points accompanied by visuals work best.
Step 4: The in-class presentation
- 3-4 minutes in length
- You will be graded on: preparedness, eye contact, content, as well as listening to other presentations.
Student Example Presentation |
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possible topics and essential questions
Patriot Act
Should Americans give up some liberties to be more safe and secure?
Media Coverage of Trials
What’s more important, a community’s right to be informed by the press during an
important trial, or the individual’s right to a fair trial and due process?
The Right to Privacy
Is it more important to protect personal privacy or national security?
Abortion
Are abortion regulations a violation of an individual's privacy?
Rights of the Accused
Do the accused receive too much protection in our legal system?
Affirmative Action
Does affirmative action uphold or violate the 14th Amendment of Equal Protection Clause?
Bilingual Education
Does bilingual education advance or diminish a student’s equal protection to the right of an education?
Death Penalty
Is the death penalty “cruel and unusual” and in violation of the 8th Amendment?
Flag Burning
Is burning the United States Flag free speech?
Gun Control
Should guns be harder to get to reduce crime? What affect does the Second Amendment have on gun control?
Internet Censorship
Does censorship of the Internet violate the First Amendment?
Religion in Public
Do religious symbols in public places violate the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment?
A Woman as President
Is gender a factor in the selection of the president of the United States?
Freedom of the Press
Does a free press protect the people from an abusive government?
Freedom of Speech
Is an official national language a violation of free speech?
Freedom of Expression
How should we determine what speech is obscene and if it is protected as free expression?
Freedom of Religion
Should a school reflect the religious values of the community?
First Amendment
To what degree do students have First Amendment rights while at school?
Should Americans give up some liberties to be more safe and secure?
Media Coverage of Trials
What’s more important, a community’s right to be informed by the press during an
important trial, or the individual’s right to a fair trial and due process?
The Right to Privacy
Is it more important to protect personal privacy or national security?
Abortion
Are abortion regulations a violation of an individual's privacy?
Rights of the Accused
Do the accused receive too much protection in our legal system?
Affirmative Action
Does affirmative action uphold or violate the 14th Amendment of Equal Protection Clause?
Bilingual Education
Does bilingual education advance or diminish a student’s equal protection to the right of an education?
Death Penalty
Is the death penalty “cruel and unusual” and in violation of the 8th Amendment?
Flag Burning
Is burning the United States Flag free speech?
Gun Control
Should guns be harder to get to reduce crime? What affect does the Second Amendment have on gun control?
Internet Censorship
Does censorship of the Internet violate the First Amendment?
Religion in Public
Do religious symbols in public places violate the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment?
A Woman as President
Is gender a factor in the selection of the president of the United States?
Freedom of the Press
Does a free press protect the people from an abusive government?
Freedom of Speech
Is an official national language a violation of free speech?
Freedom of Expression
How should we determine what speech is obscene and if it is protected as free expression?
Freedom of Religion
Should a school reflect the religious values of the community?
First Amendment
To what degree do students have First Amendment rights while at school?