5th E English                                                                                               Name:_______________________

Bean Trees Research Project

Assignment

 

The Basics:

You will research a topic related to The Bean Trees.  You will then present your findings to the class in the form of a creative, informative presentation.

 

FAQ:

 

Can I work with a partner?

You may work by yourself, with a partner, or in a group of up to four people.

 

How will this be graded?

See grading information at the bottom of the page.  This will count as a test grade.

 

What topics are you going to assign?

The list:

 

1. The Cherokee: history of the tribe, the “Trail of Tears,” the Cherokee in Oklahoma

2. Native American Indians: history, famous figures, tribal systems, the reservation system, political activism in the 20th Century (Stay away from too much about the Cherokee and the topics listed in #1)

3. The Guatemalan Civil War lasted from 1960-1996; The Bean Trees was written in 1988.  Include information on why so people left the country, and asylum-seekers in the U.S.

4. Teenage pregnancy—in the U.S. and elsewhere; effects on children and families, as well as on society

5. Child abuse—how common is it; effects on children; legal punishments

6. Equality of women; current status of women in workplaces; discrimination faced by women in jobs; status of women in different countries; progress made toward equality

7. Abandonment and Adoption of Children—numbers of children abandoned each year; reasons for child abandonment; what happens to abandoned children in the U.S. and elsewhere; numbers of children adopted; what happens to unadopted children

 

Do we have to choose from the list of topics?

You will be assigned a topic from the list.  This means that your group has first claim to that topic.  You may then keep the topic you have been assigned, trade your topic with another group, or propose to me a different topic related to The Bean Trees that is not on the list.  Your proposal must be a written paragraph.  I will decide whether or not your proposed topic is acceptable for this project.

 

Can we do the same topic as another group?

Yes.  But each topic may be done by a maximum of TWO groups.

 

What kind of presentation are we supposed to do at the end?

Your presentation will last 15 minutes.  You must present information about your topic.  You must do it creatively.  There must be some element in your presentation that involves the class.  The best presentations will also make the audience feel something about your topic.  Each member of your group must participate, speaking, in your presentation.  Some examples:

  • A presentation, followed by a “quiz game” with the class.
  • A presentation, followed by a mini-debate with the class.
  • A skit or short play that presents information about your topic.
  • Creative use of pictures, artifacts, or PowerPoint in a presentation.
  • A “game show” or “talk show” that presents information about your topic.

Remember when you are planning creatively: These are all serious topics.  No presentation should be inappropriately funny.  One other rule is that you may NOT do any activity that requires splitting the class into TEAMS.

 

What about the bibliography?

You must use reliable, reputable sources.  I will provide some class time in the library for research.  You must cite all of your sources in a written bibliography, using the correct format, that you will hand in to me. I will give you a sample to follow, and the library has fill-in-the-blank handouts to help you with this.

 

When is this due?  When are the presentations?

Presentations will start at the end of March.  I’ll let you know the exact schedule later.

 

Grading Rubric

Working during class instead of wasting time                                                                                                                       20 points

Working as a group; everyone doing a share; not arguing                                                                                                  10 points

Presentation seems practiced; all group members participate                                                                                              20 points

Presentation provides good, quality information about your topic                                                                                   20 points

Presentation shows creativity and creates interest in the audience                                                                                    20 points

Bibliography is complete and in the proper format                                                                                                                 10 points