As a requirement of this course, you will need to submit a final civics engagement project of your choosing. Your final experiences should be recorded in a visual format, submitted as a full Google Sites website, that includes text and/or video(s) and/or online blog of your actions and experiences, and will be posted here for the community to see. The world is your oyster on what you want to do, but being civically engaged in the key! What is Civic Engagement? Click here to learn the definition. Start with your imagination...what issues are of concern to YOU? What are the root causes of these problems? How can you raise awareness and start making small changes? Read on for ideas, examples and requirements!
#butfirst Watch this great animated video below created by a past student explaining why being civically engaged is important!
Your final submission will be an online website Digital Portfolio in Google Sites explaining what you accomplished. You should have plenty of journaling, photos, videos and if possible, verification info.
When you are ready to build your website, watch this video tutorial on how to build a Google Sites....
Q: What's the due date?
A: You must have your digital portfolio finished and submitted correctly by the due date given at the end of the semester. TBD! Presentations will be in class on Final Exam day. You will have 3 class days provided to work on this, everything you can't finish in class, is going to be on your own time! Stay focused!
Q: Can my project be partisan? (meaning geared towards one political party)
A: It absolutely can. If you believe in a political party and their goals and policies passionately, do something to support that party, or candidates...or interact with it in some way!
Q: I have like zero idea of what to do? Where can I get ideas?
A: Great places to look for ideas are searching causes and activities on the website DoSomething.org or browse about "Teenagers in The Times". And I LOVE that our local Triangle YMCA makes volunteering easy! Also, keep checking ANNOUNCEMENTS in Canvas, anytime I hear of good ideas, I send out opportunities and ideas. And did you check the 2500 bulletin board down by the bathrooms for ideas locally?
Q:Will there be Milestone "checkpoints" due?
A: Yes! Check Canvas "to do's" for "Milestone" checkpoints you will need to submit before the full Google Site submission at the end of the semester!
Q: How will I be graded?
A: This project will count as your final exam grade. This is 20% of your class grade. A rubric will be posted in Canvas under the final assignment in Milestone #3 posted in April. A reflection of your experience is part of this, so keeping a journal during your work is key! Photos and video are also great, but I want to read and learn more through your writing!
Q: How do I submit my final project?
A: For a high quality submission, you will need a blog of your experiences and reflections, videos of your work, some data about your topic, and anything else you think needs to be a part of your story. All these details will be provided to you later in the semester in Canvas activities called Milestone #2 and #3. If you are ready to start NOW though, you can begin by reading and following all these directions here.
Q: Are there exemptions?
A: If you maintain an A or B average and have 10 or less tardies and absences, you CAN be exempt. But you can also still complete it for a grade increase!
Click any of the images below to see amazing student project submissions! My absolute favorite is the video blog below, by a student that did ALL the things!!!