You mission is to research a topic of controversy and verify its validity based on web research. Your research will present both sides of the issue. After considering all sides, you will present your own conclusion to the class via PowerPoint presentation. You will present your research and PowerPoint to the class upon completion. 50 points.

As you search for information on your topic, think about the quality of information that is available on the web. Think about why it is easy or hard to find information about your topic. What makes an online resources different from a printed resource when researching these kinds of topics?

Save your PowerPoint as your username followed by the hoax. Like this: milstearhoax.ppt

1. Choose a topic from the choices listed below. Feel free to come up with your own - ask Mr. Milstead for approval before you proceed.

2. For each topic, find two sites that support each side. For example, if you have chosen Bigfoot as your topic you might find one website that shows photographic proof of our furry friend while another discusses someone's contact with with Bigfoot while camping. Your other two sites would take the opposite viewpoint - a discussion by a biologist on the unlikely possibility that Bigfoot exists and a site that shows Bigfoot photos to be hoaxes. Search engines here.

3. Properly cite each web resource as shown in the examples that can be found by clicking here. You will cite four web resources in your presentation.

4. Learn about the author or organization that created one of your online resources. Choose one of the websites that you used in your research and provide information about the author's credentials. Here are some items to include:
-what credentials do they have? (what college or university degrees to they list, where do they work?).
-why is this organization providing this information?
-would you consider them a hobbyist, self-proclaimed expert or professional?
-are they selling something? If so, what?
-is the website current with new information posted this year or is it stale?
-search for the author's name in a search engine and see what you can learn about that person?

5. Based on your observations, what do you conclude? Support your conclusions with a least three pieces of evidence from your web research. Use your own words to craft your conclusion-do not copy and paste.

6. Create a "table of contents" slide. This slide will use hyperlinked buttons to link to the different sections of your presentation (statement of controversy, conclusions, evidence, bibliography, etc). All slides should have a link BACK to the table of contents slide.

7. Create a PowerPoint containing the following elements:
-title page
-table of contents slide with links to other sections.
-statement of controversy. Example: "For hundreds of years, the Pacific Northwest has been center of reports of large, bipedal mammals...."
-slides as needed that represent both sides of the issue or controversy. Use images or video as examples of evidence. Do not copy and paste text from other websites - use your own words.
-slides as needed to present your conclusion.
-slide with complete citations for all four websites. Click here to learn how to cite your sources.
-a slide that analyzes the author or organization who created one of your resources.
-each slide should have a Slide Transition, Custom Animation and a link back to the table of contents slide.
Your slideshow should have at least seven slides including the title slide. "The End" does not count as a slide.

How do I hand in my completed PowerPoint?
1. Print out your completed PowerPoint using the ALT-Print Screen trick. Need help? Click here.
2. Copy your completed PowerPoint to the M drive by following these instructions. Remember to save your assignment as yourusernamehoax (milstearhoax.ppt)- click here for instructions.