(These Instructions for Extra Credit are available as a Microsoft Word document on the Assignments & Handouts page.)
Basic Rules for Extra Credit:
1. All regular work must be turned in or you can not receive extra credit for a chapter.
2. Projects must be approved in advance by Mr. Thompson.
3. Extra credit will be applied at the end of each chapter.
4. You must cite all of your sources of information for a project.
You may choose from one of the following five types of extra credit projects:
1) Poster
> All graphics are related to the topic and make it easier to understand.
> The poster includes all required elements as well as additional information.
> The poster is attractive in terms of design, layout, and neatness.
> No misspelled words.
> Graphics are all in focus and the content easily viewed
2) Model
> Model needs to have the shape and reasonably resemble what you are portraying.
> The model can stand on its own or be mounted. The model is sturdy, colorful and reasonably looks realistic.
> The model is clean and free of finger prints.
3) Experiment
> Independently or with the help of an adult identify a question which is interesting to the student and which could be investigated.
> Procedures need to be outlined in a step-by-step fashion that could be followed by anyone without additional explanations.
> Data needs to be collected several times. It should be summarized in a way that clearly describes what was discovered.
> Provide an accurate, easy-to-follow diagram with labels that illustrate the procedure or the process being studied.
> Student needs to provide a detailed conclusion clearly based on the data and related to previous research findings and the hypothesis statement(s).
4) Presentation.
> Presentation is 5-6 minutes long.
> Stand up straight, look relaxed and confident.
> Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation.
> Be completely prepared and obviously rehearsed.
> Facial expressions and body language generate a strong interest and enthusiasm about the topic in others.
> Speak clearly and distinctly, and mispronounces no words.
> Props are gold! Use them! Props and costumes that show considerable work and creativity make the presentation better.
> Always speak in complete sentences.
> Show a full understanding of the topic.
> Volume is loud enough to be heard by all audience members throughout the presentation.
5) Paper
> Paper needs to be about 500 words in length, long enough to completely cover the topic.
> Paper needs to be typed/word-processed.
> Paper needs to follow all standard conventions.
> Paper needs to be in your own words. If you quote someone, give credit for that quote. Plagiarism will result in zero points of extra credit.
> Research material must include at least one library book and at least one Internet source.
> Prepare and submit a bibliography.
> Use MLA format for citation and bibliography. Examples of MLA format can be found on: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/
(Note: This is something that most middle school students are not familiar with. Don’t worry, I don’t expect for you to get this perfect. The goal is that you will be familiar with MLA when you get to high school.)