Geography and Global Issues
Ongoing Semester Project (OSP) Overview
Honor Code Level 2
Through the rest of the semester we will be working on an individual project that will be comprised of three main parts. The purpose of this project is to get acquainted with a geographic issue taking place in the world through reading a book, reflecting on the content presented in that book and drawing connections to yourself, and finally by sharing your knowledge with the Global Issues class and/or greater community.
These projects will be taking place both in and out of class over the next ten weeks. Specific directions, rubrics and due dates will be provided as we move through the semester, but this will give you a general overview of where we are headed.
Part 1: Choosing and Reading a Book
Think of this as proving to me that you are actually reading your book!
- Select a current global issue or geographic topic and read a book that addresses it.
- Divide your book into two manageable sections to read.
- Read the book, doing one of the following as you read:
Complete a dialectical journal about the book, making connections to concepts and vocabulary from class, to your personal life and to other historical events that you have studied. / Write chapter reflections, personal diary entries or letters to the author at the end of each chapter. These should also include a personal element of some nature.
Create a web page or blog to document your reflections on the book as you read. This can take many forms and should only be chosen if you feel comfortable with the technology needed to create this product. Additional pod casts or videos could also be included in this project. / Respond to the content presented in your book artistically. This could include “illustrating” what you read, or creating a collage that represents ideas or conflicts from the various parts of your book.
You may also propose an additional option for this part of the project.
- Due dates:
- Choose a non-fiction book to read by March 13
- Read the first half of your book by April 5
- Complete your book by May 1
Part 2: Making Personal Connections to the Book
Think of this as making a meaningful connection between yourself and some element of the book that you read!
- Details for this part of the project will be presented immediately after Spring Break, but it will again allow you to design a product based on your individual skills, interests and the content of your book. SOME examples of the projects that you may choose to pursue include:
An interview with someone who has personal experience with an issue covered in your book or a similar experience that you could compare. / Creating an artistic piece that compares both the physical and cultural geography of a person/place in your book to your own life.
Writing and sharing a “This I Believe” Essay from the point of view of a person from your book. / Writing an obituary for a character in your book, either now or in the future, and comparing that to what you hope your own future obituary will include.
- Due Date: This part of the project will be due on May 15
Part 3: Sharing Your Knowledge with Others
Think of this as showing off how smart you are and helping others gain a better understanding of the world in which they live!
- Details for this part of the project will be presented in April, but it will again allow you to design a product based on your individual skills, interests and the content of your book. SOME examples of the projects that you may choose to pursue include:
Writing a children’s book related to your book and sharing it with an elementary school classroom. / Reading an additional book about a similar topic, but in a different geographic region and comparing the two situations. / Designing a brochure, web page or “cheat sheet” about your topic to share with people who may want to know more about what you learned.
Creating a video for school news or a poster campaign for the high school about your topic. / Sharing what you know with another civic, religious, or academic organization in town. / Making a mural, artistic piece or museum type display to share at the high school.
- These will (tentatively) be shared with the class on June 3 & 5. This may change to accommodate senior’s schedules that last week.