Exhibitions are a BAL tradition in which students 6th through 12th use information and ideas from their  classes in order to present in front of a group of judges. This year, students must make connections between different religions and the cultural and/or historical events that those religions relate to. They  must  use close reading skills to learn and understand background information about the basic principles and practices of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. They must read, evaluate and incorporate primary and secondary source documents. 

 

As the culmination to their projects, they will use the New York Public Library and GALE databases, different books and publications, and information accessed from reputable sources on the web to write a 4-6 page MLA- formatted research paper and present a PowerPoint about their research process and findings.

 

The panel that hears their presentations consists of BAL upperclassmen who have already completed their Exhibitions projects, BAL teacher and alumni, and community members from outside BAL who will evaluate students' research, acquired knowledge and public speaking and presentation skills.

 

STUDENTS WILL PRESENT THIS TASK IN TWO WAYS.

First, students will write a 4 – 6 page research paper answering their focus question, presenting:

An introduction to the religion & the historical event… + thesis

Introduction to the religion, including:

When/how/where/why religion originated

Major players

Spread of the religion (including current # of followers)

Major practices/beliefs

Intro to historical event, including

Major players/people effected      

 

Other components:

Title page

Abstract

Appreciations

Table of contents

Bibliography (MLA style)

Appendices (for primary sources)

 

Afterwards, students must make a 50 min presentation using PowerPoint in front of a panel of judges.

Time breakdown:

15 – 20 mins: Student presentation

10 – 15 mins: Question/Answer period

15 min: Judge deliberation

5 min: Feedback period