Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.

Transformation in American Society

Objective: That the students apply the idea of transformation to events in their own lives or current society.

Activity: The goal in this section is for students to apply the study of transformation to their understanding of American society. Each student should do some research to show how American society has been transformed in some area. For instance – look at the most recent national elections and determine how the political makeup of Congress or the Presidency (or state governments) was changed. In economic life, research the change in the Stock Market over the decade of the 90’s. How did the market reflect the transformation of businesses in America? Students could gather statistics from almanacs on the changing patterns of wealth in America over the past 10 years. How have social classes changed? Another topic to investigate could be the changing demographics in the country of the geographic area in which you live. Students could create some area maps to show the changes over the past 10-15 years. In the area of religion, they could investigate anything from how their own church membership has changed in the past decade to how church worship style has been transformed.
Another possible project could be for students to examine the changes that have occurred in popular music- maybe look at a particular group whose musical style has changed over a number of years.
Students will have their choice of presenting this visually (with written explanation), in the form of a research essay, orally with visual or musical aids

Assessment: Have the students create rubrics for excellent projects. You should look for factual accuracy and the ability to understand data tables. What impact did the project have on the listeners/viewers? Creativity will be important in any visual presentation. If students write essays, require MLA or some other form to be utilized and assess, in part, based on adherence to that form. The other area you need to assess is whether the student has indeed shown a transformation in whatever area of society or life he/she has investigated.