Contemporary

Issues Final Exam

Background: As part of this course, students have investigated a variety of current issues impacting the
United States. The class has specifically covered the media, the economy, human rights, the
environment, and national security. Each of these topics has a myriad of issues within it, and perhaps
there are some issues that you are concerned with more so than others. This is your opportunity to
research and communicate your concerns to inform others on the World Wide Web.

Your Task: Option A - Students will create a webpage that will inform viewers of a contemporary issue
that exists today. The website must include the following items, be educationally appropriate, and
accurate. Although the following requisites are necessary, students may use any of the many widgets,
add-ons, or interactive gadgets to enhance the website (and your grade).

1. Create a Google account and click on google sites to create your webpage
2. Home page identifying the topic and a navigation bar to organize the webpage
3. Background information on the homepage informing the viewer of the purpose of the page
4. 3 articles of information regarding the topic that are relevant to the purpose of the site
5. Opinion page explaining your thoughts on the issue and any proposal for a solution or plan of
action (500 words).

Your Task: Option B Students will create a Google Earth collage. Using Google Earth, students will
inform viewers of a contemporary issue that exists today. The Google Earth tour must include the
following items, be educationally appropriate, and accurate. Although the following requisites are
necessary, students may use the Google Earth add-ons and tools to enhance the tour (and your grade.)

1. Download Google Earth for free

2. Create a tour of the country addressing contemporary issues as they/it affects different cities,
regions, or places around the country.
3. Using place point pins, discuss the issues facing the country including pictures, video, and/or link
to relevant news articles from the area.
4. Record the tour of the stop points youve created (minimum of 6) and narrate the presentation.
5. Address proposed solutions for issues of concern (500 words).

Grading:

Presentation: Student includes discussion of the issues facing chosen culture/region, content is provided from
valid outside sources, site/presentation is easy to navigate and find information, project is visually stimulating and
interactive. (50 points)

Preparation for presentation (10 points)

Content and explanation (20 points)
Visual Aid (10 points)
Elaboration of thoughts and opinions (10 points)
Solution/Opinion: Student provides a detailed and thoughtful explanation of issues and include a detailed
proposal for a solution to the issue. Student response is at least 500 words. Student includes thoughts, opinions,
frustrations, and hopes regarding issue. (50 points)

Minimum 500 words (20 points)

Inclusion of issue description/details (10 points)
Description of the solution (20 points)