African American History Month: Fact or Fiction   Thursday, Feb 12, 2009 Friday, Feb 13, 2009 Grades 3-6

Description: Your class will choose a famous African-American and develop 7 statements about that person. The statements may or may not be true. During the videoconference you will present your statements to the partner class. The partner presents their statements about their person to you. Each class will then research the statement made to them to determine if the statements are "Fact or Fiction".

Register for Thursday, February 12.

Register for Friday, February 13.

Videoconferencing agenda (60 minutes):

5 minutes: Class introductions - This can be a class cheer, a school song, or a simple "hello".

10 minutes: Class A presents their famous person and their 7 statements.

10 minutes: Class B presents their person and their 7 statements.

20 minutes: Classes research the statements given to them to determine if the statements are Fact or Fiction.

10 minutes: Reveal - Class A asks Class B "Fact or Fiction?" for each statement. Repeat with Class B.

5 minutes: Goodbyes*

*In the event there is extra time, the classes can exchange questions. You might have your class think of a question or two ahead of time, just in case.

Presentations: Your class will present 7 statements about a famous African-American. Your presentation can take many forms. Your class can act out each statement, use Power Point, or simply make signs. Feel free to be creative. For clarity, each statement should have a visual that can be shown on camera.

Reveal: Your class will again read each statement about their person. The other class will answer "fact" or "fiction". Classes could have "Fact" and "Fiction" signs that each child holds up, one child could answer or the whole class could answer together. Your class will then confirm. You will repeat this portion, switching roles.

Tips for Presentations

1. Practice, practice, practice! 
2. Make sure anything that you are showing on camera is stationary. (Use easels or place objects on tables. Keep butcher paper away from the microphone!) Mute microphones when moving butcher paper items. 
3. Use index card to write speaking parts on. Copy paper makes so much noise that student voices cannot be heard. 
4. Let your video conference cart manager know what you are planning for your presentation. They will be able to help you with the computer or audio issues and share tips with you! 
5. See the Microphone placement page for tips on where to place the microphone. 
6. Be creative and have fun!