Upcoming Presidents Project

This is an idea I have, but I am waiting to hear Mr G's thoughts on this. He wanted the students to do a much more scaled down version, but I really want to challenge them.

Objective: Students will examine the presidencies of Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, and Bush.

You will work in groups to research and present the U.S. President assigned to your group.

Each group member needs to write their OWN report on their president. (100 points)

Class presentations must include:

- A handout for classmates highlighting the importance of the presidency (Ex: Nixon handout) (100 points)
- Brief biography of president
- Brief description of 1st presidential election - How he became president
- Overview of president's foreign policy and major world events (focus on Cold War for presidents before 1990s)
- Overview of president's domestic policy and major events at home
- Overview of President's achievements and/or failings
- Overview of Popular fashions, music, and American lifestyles during their presidency
  (Presentation is worth 200 points)

In total this project is worth 400 points. This will be a large portion of your quarter grade, so make sure you cover all points and put a lot of effort into your presentation.

Students are encouraged to use posters, images, powerpoints, video clips, and other sources during their class presentations.

You will also be responsible for the information your classmates present, so you will need to take notes for a test on the information.

Use the textbook and the PO listed for your president below to guide you on what you should cover in your report and presentation.


Textbook Pages Concept 10:  Contemporary United States

Gerald Ford (906- 908) PO 2.  Describe events (e.g., succession to presidency, pardoning of Nixon) of the presidency of Gerald Ford.  - Presentation Monday, May 4, 2009

Jimmy Carter - (910 - 914) PO 3.  Describe events (e.g., Camp David Peace Accords, Iran Hostage Crisis) of the presidency of Jimmy Carter. - Presentation Monday, May 4, 2009

Ronald Reagan (922-926) PO 4.  Describe events (e.g., Star Wars, Iran-Contra Affair) of the presidency of Ronald Reagan. - Presentation Tuesday, May 5, 2009

George H.W. Bush (928-933) PO 5.  Describe events (e.g., Persian Gulf War, Berlin Wall falls) of the presidency of George H.W. Bush. - Presentation Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Bill Clinton (936-944) PO 6.  Describe events (e.g., economic growth, impeachment) of the presidency of William Clinton. - Presentation Wednesday, May 6, 2009

George W. Bush (945- 951) PO 7.  Describe events (e.g., September 11 Terrorist Attacks, Afghanistan, Iraq War) of the presidency of George W. Bush. - Presentation Thursday, May 7, 2009