In response to some questions I’ve received about this project I would like to offer these questions and responses:
Q. The sample chart at the bottom of the rubric states that you need to put the conquistadors/liberators in chronological order and then it goes on to ask for more details on each ones individual conquests with dates and places and accomplishments, etc. - so in essence - they need to do research on each person listed?
A. No, just the person they are researching. The research report is just the evidence of their research.
Q. At the bottom of the first page just below the sample chart there is a "check list" and I "believe" that #4 states that the student is to "answer the question at the end of the chart." I've read the paper at least 10 times and can find no question! What is the question?
A. Anything below "Post-Museum Activity" we will do after the projects are brought in. The chart and question(s) will be done then.
Q. When they construct their diorama, is that to reflect only their subject or all of the conquistadors and liberators?
A. Only the one they are researching.
Q. As it appears to me, they are to: do a timeline, a "research paper", and a diorama - is that correct?
A. The timeline should be incorporated into how their diorama is completed. There is no research paper, only the report that must be filled out. Students should have their 5 events picked out and complete by Monday.
Q. When constructing the diorama, can she bring that to the year 2010 or just the reign of her liberator?
A. That is up to the individual student. However, they should keep in mind that we are also looking for long term consequences. Certainly the historical impact of both conquistadors and liberators is still felt to this day.
Q. This is a huge task but one that I am certain my child can handle if I can just understand exactly what the requirements are. It isn't clear to me if she is to research and submit a project on her liberator or if what you are looking for is something much broader.
A. The project is narrow in that it covers only one person, but broad in that the student should explore five events and the effect of that person on the surrounding culture.
