How to Do a Social Studies Exit Project

Many middle schools have students research and present social studies exit projects.

Generally, an exit project is a school research project done in front of teachers or student peers. Although it can be viewed as a form of a final project, the exit project usually contains a high grade percentage. This is because successfully creating an academically strong exit project proves the student has learned the skills and information relevant to the class. Often, exit projects are given at the middle school level, but may be given to students who are younger or older. Also, many exit projects are done in two academic fields: the sciences or social studies.

Things You'll Need

• Computer research tools
• Library card
• Necessary research books
• Notebook
• Note cards

Instructions

1. Think about a topic of your choice. Usually, the teacher will set the parameters of the projects, such as historical or social topics discussed in the year or semester.

2. Craft a research question for your project. The point of any research project is to find an answer to a question. Depending on what social studies topic you chose, you must think of a question you wish to answer.

3. Write out your research question and consult your teacher on it. If you have a theory to answer the research question, state this answer as well. Teachers tend to help you focus your question more narrowly or the teacher will affirm your exit project.

4. Go to your school or local library. At the library, find the necessary books you think will have answers for your research topic. This step may involve multiple trips and time spent reading at the library.

5. Explore the Internet for legitimate sources. Some Internet sites, especially websites from educational institutions, schools, or the government are considered reputable and may provide substantial data for your research project.

6. Read all your sources and accumulate all your data. Collect your important facts and data in a notebook or note cards.

7. Structure an outline. The outline will serve as the structure for your exit project paper and also your presentation. The outline will linearly explain the research project, starting with the research question, your thesis or answer to the question, all important research facts and data you collected and your conclusion.

8. Write your exit project report as defined by your outline and by the teacher's instruction, such as page length.

9. Prepare a visual presentation for the class or teachers. The presentation may be a board with photos, paper cutouts with facts presented on them or a physical object representing the social studies time. For example, if your project is on Western settlers, you can present to the class a tool commonly used by Western settlers to survive.

10. Prepare your oral presentation. Have note cards ready that only state specific facts. Practice your speech by yourself or in front of your parents, using only the note cards as references.

11. Turn in your paper, present your presentation to the class and show your visual object to the class or teachers present at the exit project class.

Tips & Warnings

• Always consult your parents with visits to local libraries or when using the Internet for research. Your parents can help provide transportation and computer safety while you are researching your topic.

References

• New York City Department of Education: Social Studies Exit Projects