In World History class we cover material up and through the second World War. During the fifth six week's period we open a chance for students to learn more about the modern world in a project. This project gives students a chance to choose from a variety of events that occurred after 1945.

Listed below are a number of "Modern World" project choices.  There are also a number of "Guiding Questions" for each possible topic.

The projects are digital. Students have the option of creating a powerpoint presentation, video file, or photostory. Powerpoint, Windows Movie Maker, and Photostory are loaded on every computer in the school. Photostory is a free download from this site: Photostory 3 for Windows The grade will consist of 30 points for the digital project, 30 points for an essay/sources, and 30 points for a presentation. There will be a 10 point artistic creativity and neatness score. Students must also use a works cited or bibliography of 5 sources. The score for the bibliography will be recorded within the essay grade. So students will place their works cited page at the end of their essay. There must also be at least 5 photographs depicting their topic.

1. Cold War Who fought in the Cold War? Who won the Cold War? How many battles were fought? What is MAD - Mutually Assured Destruction? What is a Super Power? Explain the two types of government that were at odds in a bipolar superpower world. What events ended the Cold War? What was the impact of the Cold War on present day events? 2. Vietnam War When was the Vietnam War fought? What countries were involved? Who won the war? How many lives were lost? What was Agent Orange (a chemical defoliant) and how was it used? What was the Tet Offensive and how did it change American involvement in the war? What did Americans learn from the War? Why do some people compare the current war in Iraq to the struggle in Vietnam? 3. Cuban Missile Crisis When did this occur? What were the nations involved and who were their leaders? How did the "Bay of Pigs Invasion" lead to the crisis? What was the U-2? How did the "quarantine" or blockade function? Explain the importance of telegrams to the crisis. How close were the two sides to an all out nuclear war? 4. JFK Assassination Where did it take place? What commission conducted the official investigation and what was their findings? Why was the result controversial to some people? Explain the possible conspiracy theories. What was the HSCA's controversial Dictabelt evidence? What were the similarities to other presidential deaths while in office? How did America respond to the loss of President Kennedy? How is JFK remembered as a President in history? 5. Civil Rights Movement in the US When did they occur? Who were the leaders and heroes? How did the work of The Black Panther Party, Young Lords, the Weatherman and the Brown Berets differ from the tactics of earlier Civil Rights groups? What legislative and judicial decisions gave legal rights to African-Americans? What is the impact today of the Civil Rights Movement? 6. Chernobyl Disaster Where is this city? What disaster happened here? How many people lived there before the accident? How many people died "officially"? What were the causes of the accident? What were the effects of the disaster? What have been the long-term health risks for the people of the areas surrounding Chernobyl? How did it effect the environment? What are the consequences of further collapse and problems on the site? As scientists monitor radiation levels and contamination on the site, how do they explain the abundance of animal and plant life? 7. Iraq Wars - Gulf War (1990-1991) & Iraq War (2003-present) What were the conditions behind the first Gulf War and the Second? What countries were involved? How did the first and second wars differ? What was "Shock and Awe?" How did conditions change for American troops after the invasion of Iraq began an occupation? List the advantages of American involvement in Iraq for the people of Iraq. List the disadvantages. What are insurgents? Explain why some believe Iraq is in a civil war between religious combatants. What is the surge? How does the President think the surge will help end the present Iraq War? What are the names and beliefs of the different Islamic groups in Iraq? Why are they fighting? 8. September 11, 2001 Attacks Who were the terrorists? What was their plan? Explain the destination and success of the three attacks. List other potential plots that have been uncovered that did not occur on 911. Explain the motive of the attackers. What was the reaction of the United States and the World? What have been the long-term economic and potential health effects? Explain the plans for memorials and future rebuilding at the sites of the attacks. Why do some people compare the 911 attacks to Pearl Harbor? What is the impact on the United States today?