Current Event PowerPoint
Your final assignment for this class will have you working in small groups (3 to 4) to create and present a PowerPoint slide show about a current event that is in the news. You will have to research the issue, draft a slide outline planner, create and polish your slides, and finally present your PowerPoint to the entire class.
You can pick your own groups for this assignment, but be aware that you may be moved if there are problems within your group.
Here is what you will be doing:
1. Form your group and tell the teacher who is in it, and who the group leader is. No more than 4 per group, no less than 3.
2. Meet with your group and discuss which topic you would like to pick. You may want to do some initial research before choosing to see what is available.
3. Check with the teacher to make sure the topic is still available, and sign up your group for that topic.
4. Meet again with your group to divide up the responsibilities. All people should be busy all the time if you want to be successful!! The group leader should take the lead here.
5. Develop your presentation using slide planner sheets, available from the teacher. This will be the hardest and most time consuming part!! Take the time to find good, interesting data and ideas—not just the first thing you find. Remember to follow links on pages, and bookmark the web pages you will need to find later. Try to organize your show in a way that makes sense. THINK ABOUT THE AUDIENCE!!! What—and in what order—do you think they would like to learn about your issue.
6. Have the slide planner checked and signed off by the teacher. You MUST do this before starting to create your slides.
7. Create your slides, based on your planner. Make sure that at least one person (usually the group leader) is always saving a “master copy” of the presentation in their HOME folder EVERY DAY. Also, keep a group copy in the group folder, but remember that it may not be entirely safe there. You may want to have multiple backup copies, in case of corruption or if someone in your group is absent. Also remember that you cannot make changes to the group copy unless you are the FIRST person to open it!! You can, however, copy and paste slides to the master later, so you can work by yourself on slides and then later combine them with others.
8. Create notes in the notes pane. You will print these out later, use them during your presentation, and present them to the teacher when finished.
9. Present your PowerPoint and earn you A!
THE 5 REQUIRED SLIDES
OTHER SLIDES
Make sure to develop your other slides carefully, with the audience in mind. Successful PowerPoints usually have a common sense sequence, smooth transitions between ideas, and great pictures. Make it interesting and to the point.
Presentation Guidelines
Most of your grade for this project will be given based on your presentation. Please keep in mind the following:
1. Take it seriously, and PRACTICE beforehand.
2. Speak loudly and clearly, and make eye contact with your audience.
3. DO NOT just read your slides. Use your words, body language and emotions to convey your meaning!
4. Use your notes to help you remember who speaks and what they say.
Keep in mind the following!!!
-Large consistent, easy-to-read font!!
-Consistent background color!!!
-6 by 6 rule; key words only!!! Bullets!!!
-Keep graphics simple!!
-Don’t use sound effects!!
-Quick, simple transitions!!
This final project will be worth 150 points for each member. Each member will be given the same score.
Extra Credit: Your group will receive an extra 30 points if you can use auto-timing successfully.