MUSEUM CANDIDATES

Lucy Koors & Sandy Hartz

Introduction Task Process Resources Evaluation Conclusion

Introduction:

Warren Township in Indianapolis, Indiana, has decided to build a new museum.  This museum will be built in honor of famous Black Americans who have made significant contributions to America.  Now we have the task to decide which famous Black Americans should be included  in our museum.  It goes without saying that Martin Luther King, Jr., will be in the museum. You will work with a group of investigators to research an American and build a case that you can present to the curator of the museum to convince him to include your Black American in the museum.

Task:

Your research team, a group of 2 or 3 investigators, will use the resources provided here to look at the lives of 3 Black Americans before you choose the one famous Black American that your group agrees has made the most significant contributions to convince the curator he/she should be a part of the new museum.  The museum has given some guidelines to help you.  Consider the following points:

• Contribution to the improvement of people's lives
• Contribution as an inventor
• Contribution to the Arts:  music, actor or actresses
• Contribution to Science

Use as much information as possible to present your case to the curator and museum board.  Your group will present your findings in a PowerPoint presentation.

Process:

Follow the following steps to complete your challenge.

1. In your group, each investigator will pick one famous Black American to consider.
2. Within your group, each individual will present the reasons why his American would be the best candidate for the museum.
3. Within your group, come to consensus (decide which ONE Black American your group would like to recommend for the museum).
4. Get approval from the curator (teacher), so we can avoid duplication.
5. Research your American and find information to support your case.  Remember to consider how they have contributed to our country. (Improvement of life, inventor, contributions to the arts or science.)  Use the Internet resources provided in the resource section as well as any library books  and encyclopedias you would like.
6. Complete a written bibliography on resources used.
7. As a group, create your PowerPoint presentation.
8. Present your recommendation to the curator (teacher) and museum board (class).

Resources:

Encyclopedias

Library books

Internet searches of your own

Evaluation:

For an "A" (Yes! Your Black American has been admitted to the museum.)

• Introduction of person is complete; contributions clearly stated
• Reasons for choosing this person are clearly explained and supported
• PowerPoint Presentation is persuasive, interesting and eye-catching
• PowerPoint Presentation includes at least 6 PowerPoint techniques
• PowerPoint Presentation includes at least 6 pages
• Complete bibliography

For a "B" (Yes! Your Black American has been admitted to the museum.)

• Introduction of person is complete; contributions clearly stated
• Reasons for choosing this person are clearly explained and supported
• PowerPoint Presentation is persuasive, interesting and eye-catching
• PowerPoint Presentation included at least 4 PowerPoint techniques
• PowerPoint Presentation included at least 5 pages
• Complete bibliography

For a "C" (You have been put on the museum waiting list until there is open space available.)

• Introduction of person is complete; contributions are not clearly stated
• Reasons for choosing this person are not clearly developed
• PowerPoint Presentation is somewhat  interesting
• PowerPoint Presentation included at least 3 PowerPoint techniques
• PowerPoint Presentation included at least 4 pages
• Incomplete bibliography

For a "D" (Sorry!  Your Black American can not be admitted to the museum at this time)

• Introduction of person is incomplete; contributions are not clearly stated
• Reason for choosing this person are not clear
• PowerPoint Presentation boring
• PowerPoint  Presentation included at least 2 PowerPoint techniques
• PowerPoint Presentation included at least 3 pages
• Incomplete bibliography

    A Failing Grade

• No effort given to complete this project

Conclusion:

Within your group, come up with a name for this new museum.  You can not name it the Famous Black American Museum!  Be creative.   The curator and museum board will make their final decision based on a majority vote (secretive ballot), and the group that came up with the chosen name will receive 50 bonus points.