Instructions

Your group has been assigned to make a presentation on one of Alaska's six regions. You will write a report and make an oral presentation to the rest of the class.

Written report

Each written region report must include six parts. Every student in the group is responsible for completing one part and must sign that portion. Each student must prepare a list of the sources he or she used for the written report. These sources can include the Internet (write down the URL where you found the information) or books and journals. The six parts of the written report are:

1. The history of human habitation in your region. This should include:
   
   a. The date of the earliest evidence of humans in the region b. Dates when one major town or city in the region was founded and named and why it was founded c. An interesting place name in your region and its derivation d. A list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information
   
   
2. Demographic information. This should include:
   
   a. A list of the Native groups that have homelands in your region b. The regional hub or hubs c. The total population of your region as of the latest census information d. The current ethnic makeup of the region e. A list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information
   
   
3. The major geographic features of your region (rivers, mountains, terrain)
   Be sure to provide a list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information
   
   
4. Your region's climate
   Be sure to provide a list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information
   
   
5. An ecological description of your region (e.g., tundra, forest, desert, major plants and animals)
   Be sure to provide a list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information
   
   
6. Economic information on your region. Include:
   
   a. What are the region's natural resources? b. How are the region's natural resources harvested or used? c. How important is subsistence in your region? d. What is the average yearly income in your region? e. What are the most important jobs in your region? f. A list of the sources (include page numbers or URL addresses) for your information

Oral presentation

Every group will also make an oral presentation about your region to the rest of the class. The goal of your oral presentation is to teach your fellow students about your region in a memorable and imaginative way. You will have only five minutes for your report, so make what you say count! Your presentation must include:

1. A catchy phrase or nickname for your region that will help your fellow-students remember something important about the region.
2. Visuals, which can include photographs, a PowerPoint presentation, maps, diagrams, graphs, etc.
3. A spoken presentation, which can be a talk, skit, interview, or any other format you choose.
4. (Optional) You may prepare handouts for other students to help them understand and remember the information about your region.

Grades

Each student will receive two grades for this project:

1. One for the written work (an individual grade)
2. One for the oral report (this is a group grade which will be the same for everyone in the group who is present for the oral presentation).

Peer feedback

In addition to your grades, your peers will give you feedback on your oral report. This process is designed to help you improve as you prepare future projects. Student feedback will not be part of your grade.