Elements

of

culture

project

Mrs. Dibbet’s Social Studies—Fall 2015

NAME __________________________________________________________ Period _______

Culture Unit Essential Questions

What is culture? Culture is everything that makes up a person’s entire way of life.

What are the basic elements of culture?

Social Organization

Customs and Traditions

Arts and Literature

Government

Economics

Language

Religion

Why is culture important? All cultures have features that result from basic needs shared by all

people. Every culture has methods of obtaining food and shelter. Every culture has ways to

protect itself against invaders. It also has family relationships, religious beliefs, artistic

expression, scientific knowledge, literature, etc. Cultures differ in each of these areas, but it is

those differences that make them unique.

Purpose of culture project:

Culture is something that we all are a part of in our everyday lives, whether we know it or not,

and is the process by which we make sense of the world we live in. One of the problems, as

well as the pleasures, of studying culture is that almost everything seems to be related to it.

The goal of this project is to raise individual student awareness about their own person

cultures, that is the culture of their family, and to reflect on how that culture contributes to

their individuality. We hope this project helps to share individual cultures with the school

community in hopes of creating greater understanding of the similarities and differences

among us and in the world.

**The basis for this project was taken from Lakota Middle School in the state of

Washington.**

STEP 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL

Due Thursday, September 17

Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________

Name:

Culture Identification:

_______________________________

This project will emphasize the country in which your family is originally from. Students will focus on the culture and tradition of that country. If

possible, students will explore those parts of the culture that still plays an important part in their

family.

Below are the 7 Elements of Culture. Please talk with members of your family to identify each element, and brainstorm an idea for each that would represent your culture.

Social Organization

Customs & Traditions

Arts & Literature

Government

Economics

Language

Religion

STEP 2: CULTURE BOX

Students will find or create one artifact for each element of culture. Each artifact should represent the selected culture. Students can explain how each artifact is important to his/her culture.

To Meet Culture Box Requirements:

Student includes a TITLE on their culture box that reflects the topic chosen.

o Title is in large font, neatly written, and appealing to look at.

Student includes a WORLD MAP that shows where their culture is from.

Student includes a FLAG for the culture explored.

o Flag should be colorful and detailed.

Student includes SEVEN (7) artifacts representing the elements of culture in their

cultural box.

o All seven elements of culture must be represented.

o Artifacts must be authentic or a replica—no more than 2 pictures of artifacts

allowed!

Students can find artifacts from home or can re-create artifacts.

o The outside of the box should be decorated with the world map, flag and other

pictures showing the selected culture.

o All images and pictures should be colorful and neatly arranged.

To Exceed Standard:

All required parts of culture box are of exceptionally high quality and design.

Extra time and effort are clear.

Outside of box shows artistic touches—bright colors, texture, creative

pictures/illustrations, etc.

Flag includes a caption explaining the historical significance of the culture.

Pictures/images are highly relevant to the culture.

*Culture Box is worth 25 points:

Outside = 10 points

Inside = 14 (2 points per artifact—artifact must be present and follow

directions)

Extra point (first and last name): 1 point

STEP 3: PRESENTATION

The last aspect of the Elements of Culture project will be the presentation of the cultural boxes

to the class. Students must demonstrate knowledge of their culture, and also show grade level

speaking skills. The purpose of the presentation is to explain the significance of each artifact to

the chosen culture. We hope the class’ cultural awareness will grow as a result of this project.

To Meet Standard:

Student has rehearsed the presentation and is prepared.

o Student uses appropriate voice level and speaks clearly.

o Student maintains eye contact throughout presentation.

o Student has note cards to guide them.

o Student does not rush through each artifact.

Student’s presentation will be 4-5 minutes long. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!

o Students must practice in order to meet this time requirement.

Student adequately explains the importance and significance of each artifact.

o Student should explain why each artifact is important to the chosen culture.

o Student should explain why they chose each artifact.

To Exceed Standard:

Student’s presentation goes above and beyond in all areas:

o Presentation is highly engaging and informative.

o Student does not need to continually be referring to their notecards—

presentation is nearly memorized.

o Student includes personal stories about artifacts.

o Student includes additional element to acknowledge culture:

Plays cultural music

Dresses in cultural clothing

Demonstrates cultural dance or performance.

**Presentation is worth 25 points:

Presentation skills—volume, eye-contact, etc. (5 points)

Explanation of artifacts—includes the significance and importance of each (15 points)

Time requirement (5 points)

Practice Presentation Form

Tonight’s homework is for you to practice your presentation in front of an adult or classmate in

order to prepare for your presentation. While you present, have them fill out this form to help

you improve. This form will be collected and counts as a homework assignment.

DUE: Wednesday, September 23

Student Name

Culture Chosen

Check All That Apply

Student speaks clearly Student uses appropriate volume Student makes eye-contact Students does NOT read directly from notecards Student uses notecards to guide them Presentation is 4-5 minutes in length Student explains the importance and significance of all 7

artifacts

Positive Feedback

Suggested Improvements

Circle Number of Times Rehearsed

1 2 3 4

Audience Signature

Student Signature

PROJECT CHECKLIST

Culture Box:

Outside of Box:

Title

World Map

Flag

Pictures, drawings, words

Name

Inside of Box—Artifact for each element:

Social Organization

Customs & Traditions

Arts & Literature

Government

Economics

Language

Religion

Presentation:

Notecards complete

4-5 minutes in length

Explanation of each artifact

Practice time

Notecard Information Example:

Card # Element:

Points to Make

Plans for gestures, artifact, etc.:

REMEMBER: Eye Contact, volume level, smile