Research Project

This exercise is designed to have each student conduct research, assess and summarize his or her research findings, and present it in PowerPoint format. This will be just like writing a research paper, except that the research findings will be presented in outline form in PowerPoint, rather than as a research paper. Just like a research paper, your presentation should include slides that contain a title, introduction to the topic, main body, summary and conclusions, and bibliography. Creative use of properly cited graphics and photos from the Internet, which are relevant to your topic, is encouraged.

Goals of this project include encouraging development of research skills, familiarization with presentation of academic material, and practice in communicating research to an "audience". If you do not have access to PowerPoint, you may download free compatible software at OpenOffice.org.

Summary of guidance:

This research assignment is designed to challenge the student to be creative as well as demonstrate subject matter knowledge. You are also challenged to learn a new skill/practice an existing skill in applying PowerPoint (or OpenOffice) software to your research.

You will not find the "answer" for this assignment in the text or any other single location - this is an integrative assignment that requires you, the student, to create your presentation template and apply your own knowledge on the assigned topic.

You MUST stick to the topic - projects turned in that are not on the topic will not be considered for grading.

Please create a 12-15 slide (to approximate a 15 minute spoken presentation) PowerPoint presentation discussing the way that the following geographic concepts are represented in in a particular food item or cuisine or drink item:

1. Regions
2. Diffusion
3. Cultural landscape
4. Distance decay

Be sure to address these SPECIFIC geographic terms and concepts. You may use "subsets" of these definitions (e.g. contagious diffusion) if such subsets exist. Be sure to refer to your text and glossary to ensure you completely understand these concepts.

Be sure to present clear citations and mature work. Make the most of each slide to show effective communication - one of APUS's primary learning objectives for all students in all classes (see syllabus for detail).

This exercise will require some research on your part and you are to use legitimate sources. Be careful of Wikipedia or other "wiki" sites. Try for official and creditable sites and sources.

If you do not have access PPT, please use OpenOffice.org or contact me immediately.

The exercise has three components: 1) show you are very familiar with the topic; 2) become familiar with PowerPoint software as everyone uses it in business these days, and ;3) express your knowledge in a presentation format - efficient and understandable, captivating for your audience.

Examples:

1. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1a_arbXmHoDfCFhjqLtGLTaqekWZTZ-7kKf8C2vvLfss/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&slide=id.p13

2. http://www.slideshare.net/fullscreen/eafogarty/chocolate-16307888/1

Rubric (grading criteria) descriptions:

Synthesis of concepts:

Presentation showed a clear understanding of the chosen topic. Ideas are clearly and properly organized.

Use of technology:

Student demonstrated ability to use PowerPoint software to create a slide presentation. Creative ideas are incorporated into the presentation.

Clear citations:

References to the course text or to other materials were properly cited.

Writing standards:

The writing was grammatically correct, clear and concise. The presentation was well formulated, and easy to read and understand. Correct terminology was used when needed.