KT's Nuclear Cold War Project Extravaganza
Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2004 5:34 am
Here's the deal: I have a project in my Chemistry class about Nuclear Sweetness (Bombs, Power, Radiation, etc.) Out of the topics, I've chosen "Did America really need to fear the Soviet Union's nuclear might?" as one I want. Bassically that means I'm doing my project on the Cold War, and whether it was "serious" or not.
As for my assignment:
"You assignment is to explore a facet of this topic and draw some conclusions about its use and/or ramifications on our planet. Is it worth the risk? Go into this with an open mind, much of what you think may be from someone else's bias or propoganda. What you find could suprise you."
With the 'essential question' I am looking to answer in the whole presentation: IS the benefity worth the risk?
Down to the details I need in the project:
1. Support answer with facts, not opinions. Bibliography.
2. Project may be in form of a newspaper, letters to a colleague or government agency, or whatever form you chose to use. Be creative and pick a medium that is best suited to you.
3. Written work must be accompanied by visuals that portray and help explain the topic you have chosen.
4. Visials need to be included in written component.
5. Presentation of Topic: Present your topic to the class. The presentation may take the form of a formal presentation or may follow a format of your choice. The goal is to convince the class of your point of view based on the facts you uncovered. You will be evaluated on how well you defend your position.
____
So, I chose the Cold War because that seemed the most 'fun'. My only problem is, I'm not quite sure what to do with my project, or even what to do for it. Obviously, I'd say America did need to fear the USSR's nuclear arsenal, and I can go into detail about the Cold War and what was so scary about it, how it effected the world, etc. But since this is a chemistry class, not a history one, I need to get into some detail about nuclear weaponry available I'd imagine. So then I'm thinking that maybe a more 'statistical analysis' approach to the various nuclear capabilities of each side and how they could basically screw over parts of the world would be a better idea then a general look at the cold war.
But then, I need a medium to convey this on...
My best idea so far, is a 'dossier' style analysis of nuclear capabilities, perhaps supplemented with power point presentation of some sort, and a nice big colourful poster. Problem is, the project is more of a presentation, so I guess my powerpoint and poster would have to be just as strong as my dossier, and I could have that circulate the class while I talk. I could more or less put the contents of the dossier onto powerpoint as well, so people are essentially getting the same info, just that the dossier would be the fancy version for the teacher and for show, while the presentation is to get the info to the class. Downside to that is I have less diversity in my product which could lead to a reduction of grade.
Which leads me to another thing- I need the grade. Badly. I'll leave it at that. Less than an A isn't doable for me.
Did I mention that I need to have this done by Friday? Well, Friday if I want an extra 20 points (worth a homework assignment bassically). But if I can't get it done by then reasonably well, then it's due Monday with no extra 20 points.
---
So any ideas/suggestions/rants/cookies?
As for my assignment:
"You assignment is to explore a facet of this topic and draw some conclusions about its use and/or ramifications on our planet. Is it worth the risk? Go into this with an open mind, much of what you think may be from someone else's bias or propoganda. What you find could suprise you."
With the 'essential question' I am looking to answer in the whole presentation: IS the benefity worth the risk?
Down to the details I need in the project:
1. Support answer with facts, not opinions. Bibliography.
2. Project may be in form of a newspaper, letters to a colleague or government agency, or whatever form you chose to use. Be creative and pick a medium that is best suited to you.
3. Written work must be accompanied by visuals that portray and help explain the topic you have chosen.
4. Visials need to be included in written component.
5. Presentation of Topic: Present your topic to the class. The presentation may take the form of a formal presentation or may follow a format of your choice. The goal is to convince the class of your point of view based on the facts you uncovered. You will be evaluated on how well you defend your position.
____
So, I chose the Cold War because that seemed the most 'fun'. My only problem is, I'm not quite sure what to do with my project, or even what to do for it. Obviously, I'd say America did need to fear the USSR's nuclear arsenal, and I can go into detail about the Cold War and what was so scary about it, how it effected the world, etc. But since this is a chemistry class, not a history one, I need to get into some detail about nuclear weaponry available I'd imagine. So then I'm thinking that maybe a more 'statistical analysis' approach to the various nuclear capabilities of each side and how they could basically screw over parts of the world would be a better idea then a general look at the cold war.
But then, I need a medium to convey this on...
My best idea so far, is a 'dossier' style analysis of nuclear capabilities, perhaps supplemented with power point presentation of some sort, and a nice big colourful poster. Problem is, the project is more of a presentation, so I guess my powerpoint and poster would have to be just as strong as my dossier, and I could have that circulate the class while I talk. I could more or less put the contents of the dossier onto powerpoint as well, so people are essentially getting the same info, just that the dossier would be the fancy version for the teacher and for show, while the presentation is to get the info to the class. Downside to that is I have less diversity in my product which could lead to a reduction of grade.
Which leads me to another thing- I need the grade. Badly. I'll leave it at that. Less than an A isn't doable for me.
Did I mention that I need to have this done by Friday? Well, Friday if I want an extra 20 points (worth a homework assignment bassically). But if I can't get it done by then reasonably well, then it's due Monday with no extra 20 points.
---
So any ideas/suggestions/rants/cookies?
