The Ambrosia Project
The Ambrosia Project was a new activity in the US History and Government course. Created by Mr. Cook. Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Keough, the project challenged the students to use the Library Media Center resources and their research skills to research American Gilded Age Cities (1880-1910) and create an imaginary City of Ambrosia.
To do this, students used their textbooks and video clips to identify general characteristics of cities of the era such as the economy, politics, social classes, and education.
The class worked together to make a list of these characteristics, which were then assigned to individual researchers. A copy of the topics can be found on this poster.
After a quick refresher on using the OPAC in the Library, students found books and other printed materials related to their topics.
Students then completed a data collection sheet which asked several questions - what was happening in cities of the era in regards to their assigned topic, what problems related to their topics existed, and what they recommended for Ambrosia. Students also collected primary and secondary materials related to their topic and recorded the resources they used.
Upon completing the research, the class shared their findings, making lists of urban problems that would have to be dealt with along with items they wanted to include in their city.
Students then worked on creating their city, taking into consideration both the time and physical parameters they were given.
After completing their cities, students worked on a review sheet that asked questions about the urbanization of the period based upon their presentation and the urbanization chapter of their textbooks.
The activity culminated in a discussion of urbanization and a quiz on the material.
Students received individual grades for their Library OPAC activity, data collection sheet, review sheet, and the quiz. A group grade was based on the presentation of the city.
The Ambrosia Project will be evaluated and refined for next year's course of study.
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