(Gr. 7 & 8 ONLY) Name______________________Sect._________

WHAT IS AN ORAL PROJECT PRESENTATION?

An oral Social Studies project presentation is a research report on a particular subject you have chosen from a subject list for your grade and class. Social Studies is the study of real historical people, real places and real events from the United States and around the world. It is important to remember this point when you are doing your research.

HOW DO I CONDUCT A SOCIAL STUDIES ORAL PRESENTATION?

1. Research your topic as thoroughly as possible. Go to the county library and ask the reference librarian to help you locate information on your topic. Do not rely on the Internet for all of your information as it may be incorrect.

2. Enhance your presentation with vivid photographs, prints of paintings, three-dimensional artifacts such as sculpture or pottery, charts, maps, music from the period, foods or any other visual/ audible or tactile aid that makes your project interesting and informative. Be sure your presentation props are relevant to your topic.
Example: Topic: The First Thanksgiving- It would be appropriate to display husked corn, fresh cranberry or a pumpkin. These are relevant foods to the topic.
HINT: Most libraries have a large collection of art books, recorded music and other materials you can borrow. Also, Staples
reproduces color copies at a low cost for educational purposes.

3. Study your topic-become a mini-expert on the subject! Rehearse your presentation in front of your family or friends. You may use note cards as reference for dates or places but do not depend on reading all of your information from your note cards.

4. Actual Presentation:
A. Stand up straight and be confident, do not lean on the table or chalk tray.
Your presentation should be 5-7 minutes in duration.
Be proud of your research, you have worked hard!

B. Make sure all of your visual aids are in chronological order or in the proper sequence of viewing, before starting your presentation.
These visual aids should be supportive of your topic:
1. Chart, Poster, Graph etc.: neat and easy to read,
2. You may set up your visual aids in the chalk tray or on the table,
3. Do not pass your visual aids around to classroom.

Example of Presentations:

A. A student who speaks clearly and produces well- made and interesting visual aids is telling the class:
“I worked hard on my research project and I am proud of my work. I want an A!”

On the other hand----

B. A student who reads two paragraphs of the data and has a sloppy, visual aid made on a lined sheet of notebook paper is telling the class:
“I did this on the school bus and I don’t care about my oral presentation.”

Research and organization
are the keys to
an outstanding presentation!