“Getting Into the Skin” Project

Make sure that you let Mr. Best know what "skin" you plan to get into once you start the project!        Have fun!

Mr. Best – Fall 2003 (50 Extra Credit Points)

This is a rare opportunity to learn in-depth information about ethnic immigrant groups, others who came to America and others who were here when foreigners arrived.  As you interact with those of your study group, you will find that this information should help you to make your curriculum more factual, relevant, and student empowering.

Groups to be studied (if the group you would like to investigate is not listed see me):

1.                  African Americans (Includes Haitians, Jamaicans, Nigerians, Kenyans, Puerto Ricans, Zairians, Native born African Americans, Others)

2.                  Asian Americans (Includes Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, hmong, Mien, Vietnamese, Khmer, Laotians, others.)

3.                  Latino Americans: (Includes native-born Hispanics, Mexicans, central Americans, South Americans, Puerto Ricans, etc.)

4.                  Native Americans (Includes hundreds of tribes.)

5.                  European Americans (Irish, Ukrainians, Russians, Italians, Greek, others.)  

6.             Middle Eastern Americans (Iranian, Iraqi, Saudi Arabian, Israeli, others)

Goal: We live in a world where cultural and ethnic distinction between individuals can be very different, but the space between them can be small. In an effort to encourage you to get to know your neighbors better I am offering extra credit to those who would like to try to learn more about the different cultures in our community.

Your Assignment

This will be a very challenging assignment. Your job is to “get into the skin” of an ethnic group other than your own. You can and are encouraged to work in groups of no more than four, but you can complete this assignment alone if you wish. You and your group will need to travel into that community and do field research. You will be required to:

1.                  Visit a restaurant that serves food from your culture for research. (provide a take out menu or business card from that business).

2.                  Visit a cultural bookstore in the community you are researching.

3.                  Visit a community venue (a church service, political rally, community meeting, festival, etc.) and obtain as much material as possible.

4.                  Meet with a member of the community (politician, religious official, community organization official, etc.) and get a business card, brochure, etc.

5.                  Find and collect a newspaper published for your ethnic group.

6.                  Find information/statistics for current and past population density, immigration, and language for your group in our community.

7.                  Create a power point presentation for the class expressing all that you have learned on your adventures. The presentation should include:

a.      A short history of your ethnic group in America

b.      Common misconceptions and misnomers

c.      What your “get into the skin” group did (restaurant, community venue, etc.)

d.      What did you learn?

8.                  Have fun!

As you travel into the community I encourage you to go in groups for safety and be aware of your surroundings. You may also want to call ahead to businesses or organizations that you are visiting. If you have questions or concerns email mbest@djusd.k12.ca.us

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