Greetings, my fellow researchers! I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request your help in a great undertaking. I request you research one of the topics about World Religion from my accompanying list and present your findings at the annual Religious Studies Convention held in New York, NY on Friday, March 28 th, and Monday March 31 st. I realize this is short notice, but imagine the audience. This is your opportunity to present your research to the world’s leading Religious Scholars. It could be your “big break” into our field! Together, your team must conduct extensive research about one of the following religious topics: My colleagues in New York will expect a well-researched presentation (Powerpoint or other presentation program) explaining details about your topics on Religion by completing the religion information sheet provided based on your topic. I need you to complete the worksheets provided (information logs) and creation of a handout that summarizes your information. This must be shown to me by the end of class on March 26 th /27 th. You will also be assigned a group evaluation rubric that will assess your individual contributions, as well as your team members. This will be due just minutes before your teams presentation. Enclosed, please find additional papers to help you make this project a smashing success!

Digging into the Project: A Step-by-Step Set of Instructions. 1.) Assemble a team of 4-6 participants. 2.) Beginning your research: Remember that your task has three main components and documents associated with it: RESEARCH (on Chrome Books and/or on your own technology, use of library books. ( Document on Sources Used Page) COMPLETED and ACCURATE INFORMATION (Follow the worksheets with your information guidelines on it.) PRESENTATION. (Powerpoint or other creative method of presentation:( Use Presentation Organizer) You will need to record as much information as possible about your topic. It will be your responsibility to teach other members of the class about your topic. 4.) Your team will create a PowerPoint presentation or some other presentation method to detailing your findings. Remember, we’re role-playing. As you build your PowerPoint, imagine you really ARE presenting to the Religious Studies Convention in New York. Try to impress your teacher and fellow scholars. Imagine this truly is your big break!

About the PowerPoint/Presentation: Begin with a title slide that contains free-use clip art or images. Next, present your findings with a minimum of five error-free slides plus an additional slide with the links to your sources. That means grammar and spelling must be correct! Proofread your slides carefully. Also, remember the basic rules about PowerPoint. Do not overuse images and text, as it can overwhelm your audience. A good PowerPoint presentation should have an excellent balance of both images and text. If you present in another method, please talk to your teacher about what they expect you to turn in or use to teach the class. 5.) To wrap up the project, your team will then present this to our class. EVERYONE MUST PARTICIPATE IN PRESENTATION. When you are finished with your visual, you will need to “rehearse” to prepare for your presentation to the class. Be certain that your information is organized and will be easy for other students to understand. Remember, you will be teaching your topic to people who may know very little or even nothing about it. They are depending on you to teach them. Also, keep in mind how you learn best. I am sure that you would not want to be taught by someone who is simply reading facts to you. Make it interesting!

1. Islam 2. Hinduism 3. Christianity 4. Judaisim 5. Buddhism 6. Overall View of Main 5 7. Conflicts between Religions

 Each group will have a different Research Packet to complete, and that will be due before presentations.  Each group much have technology in their presentation; Powerpoint, Prezi, Website, Video, etc.  Each presentation must have a guided notes handout that highlights answers to each questions your group was responsible to research.  Packets are turned in at the end of every class to ensure all members work on the project in class.  Each member must be involved in the presentation process.  Follow the grading rubric for the project (Last slide)

 Check in with your SS Teacher in the media center.  We will be in the media center all week (except for presentations) So you will have access to NC Wise, non-fiction texts, and the internet.  We have provided you with a list of sites that will contain information that you will need.

Category:4 (25-21)3 (20-16)2 (15-10)1 (9-0) Content Accuracy All content throughout the presentation is accurate. There are no factual errors. Most of the content is accurate but there is one piece of information that might be inaccurate. The content is generally accurate, but one piece of information is clearly flawed or inaccurate. Content is typically confusing or contains more than one factual error. Sequencing of Information Information is organized in a clear, logical way. It is easy to anticipate the type of material that might be on the next slide. Most information is organized in a clear, logical way. One slide or item of information seems out of place. Some information is logically sequenced. An occasional slide or item of information seems out of place. There is no clear plan for the organization of information. Use of Graphics All graphics are attractive (size and colors) and support the theme/content of the presentation. Images are not overused. A few graphics are not attractive but all support the theme/content of the presentation. Images are not overused. All graphics are attractive but a few do not seem to support the theme/content of the presentation. Images may be used too often. Several graphics are unattractive and detract from the content of the presentation. Images may be used too often. Grammar and Spelling Less than two spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. Less than five spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. Five to ten spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. More than ten spelling, grammatical, or punctuation errors. Overall EffectivenessProject includes all material needed to gain a comfortable understanding of the topic. It is a highly effective presentation. Project includes most material needed to gain a comfortable understanding of the material but is lacking one or two key elements. It is an adequate presentation. Project is missing more than two key elements. It would make an incomplete presentation. Project is lacking several key elements and has inaccuracies that make it a poor presentation. Rubric for the “World Religions Research” Project Presentation