Suffolk Public School’s

Portfolio Packet

2nd Nine Weeks

Student’s Name: ____________________________________

School: ___________________________________________

Accelerated Course: _8th Geography_______________________

Core Teacher: __________________________Block: ______

Gifted Resource Teacher: _____________________________

This packet must be submitted at the conclusion of this nine

week grading period, along with evidence of completed work.

Date Submitted: __________________________________

_______________________________________________ ____________________________________

Student Signature GRT Signature

GRT Comments:

Linda Ellis, Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools 2

Country Gallery Walk Exhibit for the Smithsonian

In this unit you are working for the Smithsonian Museum. You have been directed by your boss to construct a museum exhibit on a country in Latin America, the Caribbean, North Africa or South west Asia. The exhibit needs to be completed for the gala opening night ceremony in 7 weeks. You want to showcase an indigenous art form and explain a problem

or current issue that your country is having. You have also decided to create an illustrated children’s book (or a magazine or newspaper) to help explain your country and its people.

Continue with your assignment and read the instructions below.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 3

Understanding By Design Unit Plan

Title: Interactive Museum Subject/Course: Geography

Topic:

Country Gallery Walk Exhibit

Grade: 8 Designers: Ellis

Quest Standards: Q1.1 The students will apply problem solving skills (ie: identify problems, formulate hypotheses, generate ideas, employ deductive reasoning, choose and apply solutions) to achieve an outcome or solution to problems. Q1.2 The students will use critical thinking skills (i.e.: inquiry, abstract logical thinking, inductive reasoning, critical analysis, and the ability to find and use information) to achieve understanding, evaluate view points, and solve problems. Q1.3 The students will be able to use effective communication in processing complex problems. Q2.1 The students will be able to identify and utilize inductive and deductive thinking processes. Q2.2 The students will gather and assess relevant information using abstract ideas to interpret the information effectively. Q2.3 The students will arrive at well reasoned conclusions and solutions, testing them against relevant criteria and standards. Geography Standards: WG.4 The student will locate and analyze physical, economic, and cultural characteristics of world regions: Latin America and the Caribbean, North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Topic(s)

Physical, economic and cultural characteristics of world regions, Latin America and the Caribbean and North Africa and Southwest Asia

Activities

Museum exhibit Important Problem or Current Issue Exhibit Art Exhibit Choose one:

Illustrated Children’s book Magazine Newspaper

Assessments 1. Completion of Portfolio 2. Exhibit of a major problem or issue facing the country 3. Exhibit of native Art Form 4. Completion of Illustrated Children’s Book, Magazine or Newspaper

Stage 1 – Desired Results

Established Goals: 1. Students will research a country and use the information obtained to create a museum exhibit on

a country from Latin America, the Caribbean, North Africa, or Southwest Asia. 2. Their museum exhibit will include an Illustrated Children’s Book, a Magazine, or a Newspaper

that they will write and which will also include illustrations they have designed. 3. Students will create an art form exhibit for their museum. 4. Students will choose a problem that is happening in their country, research it and create an

exhibit explaining it for their museum. 5. Students will present their museum exhibit in class.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 4

Students will Understand: 1. The development of a region is influenced by

many factors, including physical, economic, and cultural characteristics.

2. The interaction of humans with their environment affects the development of a region.

3. Different criteria may be used to determine a country’s relative importance.

4. Elements of the physical environment, such as major bodies of water and mountains, influence the economic and cultural characteristics of regions.

Essential Questions: 1. In what ways do physical, economic, and

cultural characteristics influence regional development?

2. What are some ways that human interaction with the environment affects the development of a region?

3. What are some criteria that may be used to determine a country’s relative importance?

4. What impact do elements of the physical environment, such as major bodies of water and mountains, have on countries in a region?

Students will know…. 1. About human interaction with environment 2. Criteria for determining relative importance 3. Impact of physical elements

Students will be able to…. 1. Explain charts comparing two or more

concepts. 2. Identify primary ideas expressed in graphic

data. 3. Gather, classify, and interpret information. 4. Draw conclusions and make inferences

about data. 5. Explain cause-and-effect relationships. 6. Identify and locate regions, continents,

oceans, and major features on maps and globes.

Stage 3 – Learning Plan

Learning activities:

1. Students will work independently to meet project due dates. 2. Students will demonstrate research capabilities by successfully constructing a museum worthy

submission exploring an important problem or current issue affecting designated country. 3. Students will identify and recreate mock indigenous native art forms of their designated country. 4. Students will create an illustrated children’s book, a newspaper, or a magazine based on research

conducted regarding the designated country. 5. The teacher will provide a positive learning environment to foster student independent learning.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 5

Country Walk Gallery Exhibit for the Smithsonian

You have been chosen by The Smithsonian Museum to design an exhibit about one of the countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, North Africa, or Southwest Asia. Once completed, tourists will move from exhibit to exhibit to learn about these countries. You will create an illustrated children’s book, newspaper, OR magazine along with an art exhibit and a current problem or issue exhibit. You will have to “travel” to your country and gather information and data that you will need for your exhibit. The curator at the Smithsonian stated that you must include information about your country from 6 of the following categories:

The Arts Climate Culture Daily Life/Dress Economy Government History Important Landmarks Physical landscape Religion Choice (Teacher approval required)

Your exhibit needs to be ready to present to the “Boss” (your teachers) and the museum employees (other students) for the grand “Country Walk Gallery Exhibit,” in seven weeks. You will be researching one of the countries from the chart on the next page.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 6

Students will determine which country they will work with by pulling the name out of a bag. The following countries are located in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America, South America, and North Africa and Southwest Asia.

Caribbean

Mexico and Central America

South America

North Africa and Southwest Asia (Middle East).

1. Cuba 2. Dominican Republic 3. Haiti 4. Jamaica 5. Puerto Rico (U.S.

1. Belize 2. Costa Rica 3. El Salvador 4. Guatemala 5. Honduras 6. Mexico 7. Nicaragua 8. Panama

1. Argentina 2. Bolivia 3. Brazil 4. Chile 5. Columbia 6. Ecuador 7. French Guiana 8. Guyana 9. Paraguay 10. Peru 11. Suriname 12. Uruguay 13. Venezuela

1. Algeria 2. Egypt 3. Iran 4. Israel 5. Kuwait 6. Libya 7. Qatar 8. Saudi Arabia 9. Turkey 10. United Arab Emirates

Your final museum exhibit and presentation must contain the following items:

I. Completed Gifted and Talented Portfolio Packet II. Exhibit of your country’s important problem or current issue III. Exhibit displaying an art form native to your country IV. One of the following:

a. An Illustrated Children’s Book b. A Magazine c. A Newspaper

Students may design/create additional pieces for their art exhibit, though not required.

Be prepared to present your Museum exhibit to the class as the final item in your Portfolio.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 7

INFORMATION PAGE

STUDENT NAME: _________________________________________

GEOGRAPHY BLOCK: ______________________________________

PORTFOLIO ASSIGNED ON: _________________________________

FINAL PORTFOLIO DUE ON: _________________________________

COUNTRY I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR: ___________________________

Glue country card here

CONTINENT MY COUNTRY IS LOCATED ON: ____________________

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 8

Important Problem or Current Issues

All countries have important issues that they have to deal with. These

issues can be conflicts or wars based on governmental rule, religion,

border or land disputes, resource use, or any of a number of other types of

disputes. Countries may also have human rights issues or disaster issues.

All countries have problems. Some problems that countries face come

from within the country such as problems with the country’s leaders.

Maybe they have a very brutal dictator or a governmental system

(communism) that is not working. Sometimes the problems a country

faces are from outside its borders such as invasion from a foreign

government. The problems can be manmade such as religious conflict, or

natural such as a lack of food from a drought.

Directions: Based on your assigned country, ________________________, you are responsible for researching and selecting an important problem or current issue that affects the people of the country. (CIA World Fact Book is a credible source to use for inspiration – but not required)

1. Briefly explain the problem or current issue you have chosen that is affecting your

county:______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. Design a RAFT to present the problem/issue of your country:

R (role: Who are you “role playing” in this issue)–

A (Audience: Who are you appealing to) –

F (Format: How are you presenting your stance) –

T (Topic: What is your problem/issue)–

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 9

3. Based on your RAFT, how can you represent your problem in a museum exhibit? Draw a visual

representation of your exhibit in the box below.

4. List the items will you need in order to construct your exhibit on the important problem or current

issue affecting your country? (Posters, pictures, drawings, videos, model clay, paint, markers,

colored pencils, etc.)_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

5. Construct your important problem or current issue exhibit. You may create your

exhibit in any format as long as the RAFT is evident. 3D creations are always welcomed, but not

required.

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 10

Art Form All countries have different art forms that are unique to that country. Rangoli is a traditional folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials that can include colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or even flower petals.

Choose an art form native to your assigned country to research and recreate.

You may use any of the following art mediums:

Music (with or without lyrics) Dance Art forms (i.e.: Painting, drawing, crafting, etc…) Make items of art such as masks, textiles, or jewelry

1. Decide on the art form that you will use in your presentation. (You may use more than one, for instance you may play an instrument and sing a song). List and describe your choice: _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. How will you present your art form? (Will you create and make it, paint it, sing it, play it [video, live], dance?) Explain here: ____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

3. What materials will you need to present your art form? (Poster board, paints, markers, string, clay,

pencils, music cd, computer, instrument, lyrics, sheet music, costume?) ___________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 11

Illustrated Children’s Book

Unlike a picture book which is only pictures, an illustrated children’s

book tells a story with a plot using words and images that has a

beginning, middle, and an ending. It is also an informative book

that gives the information in an entertaining way. So if you choose to

create an illustrated children’s book for your country, you will want

to present the factual information in a way that makes it fun to learn.

Requirements for an Illustrated Children’s Book must include the following:

1. 8 pages (or more) total

2. Include information for 6 of the following topics: The Arts Climate Culture Daily Life/Dress Economy Government History Important Landmarks Physical landscape Religion Choice (Teacher approval required)

3. Front and back cover. Cover of Project must have a meaningful title, an illustration, and your name. You should use a binder or a folder where you can secure the pages (just like a book), loose pages will not be accepted

4. Must have at least 1 graph OR chart

5. 6 colorful and neatly presented illustrations, with captions. The illustrations should be relevant to the story

Note: Pages can be 1 or 2 sided (but they must be neat, no magic marker bleed through etc.)

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 12

Newspaper

Newspapers are a way to communicate with people. They contain news articles, editorials, financial information, sports, advertisements, cartoons, pictures, and want ads. If you choose to create a newspaper you should make it informative as well as entertaining.

Requirements for a Newspaper must include the following:

1. 8 pages with a minimum of 2 articles per pages (or more)

2. Include information for 6 of the following topics: The Arts Climate Culture Daily Life/Dress Economy Government History Important Landmarks Physical landscape Religion Choice (Teacher approval required)

3. Follow a newspaper format, use a folder to contain your newspaper (Loose pages will not be accepted) headlines on the front page articles may start on one page and end on another remember to tell the reader which page to go to so

they can follow the article from one page to another

pages must be numbered

4. 4 illustrations with captions, colorful and neatly presented. The illustrations should be relevant to the story

5. Must have at least 1 graph OR chart

6. 4 advertisements that relate to your country Note: Pages can be 1 or 2 sided (but they must be neat, no magic marker bleed through etc.)

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 13

Magazine

Magazines can contain essays, short stories, short biographies, consumer information, sports and educational items, usually by many different authors. Most of the time magazines focus on a particular subject or area. There are magazines devoted to news, sports, hobbies, fashion, food, and just about anything else that you can think of. Some examples of magazines are Consumer Reports, CNN Money, ESPN Sports, Martha Stewart, Ebony, Teen, and PC Gamer. The cover should grab your attention. Requirements for a Magazine must include the following:

1. 8 pages with different articles (or more) 2. Include information for 6 of the following topics:

The Arts Climate Culture Daily Life/Dress Economy Government History Important Landmarks Physical landscape Religion Choice (Teacher approval required)

3. Follow a magazine format headlines on the front page articles may start on one page and end on another remember to tell the reader which page to go to so they can follow the article from one

page to another pages must be numbered

4. Front and back cover. Cover of Project must have a meaningful title, an illustration, and your name. You should use a binder or a folder where you can secure the pages (just like a book), loose pages will not be accepted.

5. 4 illustrations, with captions. The illustrations should be relevant to the story

6. Must have at least 1 graph or chart 7. 4 advertisements that relate to items that would be of

interest to people of your country

Note: Pages can be 1 or 2 sided (but they must be neat, no magic marker bleed through etc.)

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 14

Museum Checklist

Use this checklist to help you keep track of the progress that you are making for your exhibit. Check

the items off as you finish them. My country is __________________________________.

Illustrated Children’s Book

Newspaper Magazine

______ Folder to contain your work (can be 3 prong)

______ 8 (or more) pages evident Must include at least 6 of the following topics: ______ The Arts ______ Climate ______ Culture ______ Daily Life/Dress ______ Economy ______ Government ______ History ______ Important Landmarks ______ Physical Landscape ______ Religion ______ Choice ______ Front and back cover

Name Meaningful title Illustration

______ 1 graph or chart ______8 illustrations with captions Did you follow a book format? Is your work? ______ Neat ______ Colorful ______ Visually appealing

______ Folder to contain your work (can be 3 prong)

______ 8 (or more) pages with articles evident Must include at least 6 of the following topics: ______ The Arts ______ Climate ______ Culture ______ Daily Life/Dress ______ Economy ______ Government ______ History ______ Important Landmarks ______ Physical Landscape ______ Religion ______ Choice ______ Front and back cover

Name Meaningful title Illustration(s)

______ 1 graph or chart ______4 illustrations with captions ______ 4 Advertisements ______ Did you follow a newspaper

format? Is your work? ______ neat ______ colorful ______ Visually appealing

______ Folder to contain your work (can be 3 prong)

______ 8 (or more) pages with articles evident Must include at least 6 of the following topics: ______ The Arts ______ Climate ______ Culture ______ Daily Life/Dress ______ Economy ______ Government ______ History ______ Important Landmarks ______ Physical Landscape ______ Religion ______ Choice ______ Front and back cover

Name Meaningful title Illustration(s)

______ 1 graph or chart ______4 illustrations with captions ______ 4 Advertisements ______ Did you follow a magazine

format? Is your work? ______ neat ______ colorful ______ Visually appealing

Art Exhibit Current Problem/Issue Exhibit ____ Type of Art Form

____ How to Present art form

____ Materials needed to present

____ Completed portfolio worksheet

____ Ready to present

____ Problem or Issue topic

____ Explanation of Topic

____ How to present problem/issue

____ Materials needed to present

____ Completed exhibit (3D)

____ Completed portfolio worksheet

____ Ready to present

L. Ellis Gifted Resource Teacher, FGMS, Suffolk Public Schools Page 15

Country Gallery Walk Museum Exhibit

You will create a Country Gallery Walk Museum Exhibit. You will name your Exhibit and it will contain the items listed below. You will work on this ongoing project/research based activity using the internet, text books,

class notes and supplemental materials.

Due Date Assignment Activity pages can be found in the 8th

Geography Portfolio 2nd9 weeks

Completion Date

& GRT Signature

Score 4= Advanced 3= Proficient 2= Basic 1=Below Basic

Final Exhibit

Submission

All students are responsible for the following activities based on their assigned country

Important Problem/Current Issue Worksheet

Pgs 8 & 9 (Introduced in class &

finished at home)

Art Form Exhibit

Pg 10

Student Selected Project:

Completion of 2 pages and

1 illustration based on student selected project

Illustrated Children’s

Book Pg 11 or

Newspaper Pg 12 or

Magazine Pg 13

Completion of 2 additional pages and

2 additional illustration based on student selected project

*Students should have 4 pages and 3 illustrations completed by this submission.

Illustrated Children’s

Book Pg 11 or

Newspaper Pg 12 or

Magazine Pg 13

Completion of 2 additional pages and

1 additional illustration and

1 chart/graph based on student selected project

*Students should have 6 pages and 4 illustrations and 1 chart/graph completed by this submission.

Illustrated Children’s

Book Pg 11 or

Newspaper Pg 12 or

Magazine Pg 13

Completion of final 2 pages and

4 additional illustrations (Children’s Book) or 4 Advertisements (Newspaper/Magazine) based

on student selected project

*Students should have 8 pages and 8 illustrations for the Children’s Book or 4 illustrations and 4 advertisements for the Newspaper or Magazine completed by this submission.

Illustrated Children’s

Book Pg 11 or

Newspaper Pg 12 or

Magazine Pg 13

Teacher comments:

*Students must be prepared to present their completed Museum exhibit at the end of the nine weeks.