Progressive Era Project: PowerPoint Presentation Guidelines
Presentation Overview
Your presentation will delve into an aspect of the Progressive Era, highlighting key reforms, figures, and impacts during this transformative period in American history. Ensure that your final submission is visually engaging and well-structured.
Step 1: Research Your Progressive Era Topic
Instructions:
- Access the Progressive Era to New Era, 1900–1929 page from the Library of Congress.
- Select your specific topic—this might be related to social reform, labor rights, women's suffrage, or another significant movement within the Progressive Era.
- Gather critical information, including:
- Overview of the topic.
- Key figures involved (e.g., activists, politicians).
- Major legislation or reforms associated with the topic.
- Lasting impacts or changes that resulted from these reforms.
- Also, explore supporting documents found under the Documents heading for more detailed insights.
Step 2: Download Images from the Library of Congress
Instructions:
- Visit the Prints & Photographs Online Catalog on the Library of Congress website.
- Use specific search terms related to your topic, such as "women's suffrage," "labor movement," or "Progressive reforms."
- Browse through the search results for images that represent your chosen topic, paying attention to:
- Historical relevance.
- Visual impact.
- Quality of the images.
- Download at least three images in JPEG format for inclusion in your presentation.
Step 3: Create Your Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation
Presentation Structure:
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Title Slide:
- Title of your presentation (Your Topic).
- Your name.
- Date.
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Introduction Slide:
- Brief explanation of the Progressive Era.
- Importance of your specific topic within this context.
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Key Reforms and Impacts Slides:
- Slide 1: Overview of key reforms related to your topic.
- Slide 2: Discussion of prominent figures involved.
- Slide 3: Description of major legislative changes.
- Slide 4: Lasting impacts on American society.
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Supporting Images:
- Add downloaded images strategically throughout your slides to enhance visual understanding.
- Each image should have a caption explaining its relevance.
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Conclusion Slide:
- Recap the significance of your topic.
- How it reflects the spirit of the Progressive Era and its relevance today.
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References Slide:
- Cite any sources or documents you used for your research.
- Include the Library of Congress URL for the images.
Step 4: Enhance Your Presentation
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SmartArt:
- Use SmartArt graphics to illustrate concepts and processes effectively, particularly for timelines or relationships between figures.
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Animations and Transitions:
- Apply animations to key points for emphasis (e.g., fade in/out).
- Use slide transitions to create a smooth flow between slides.
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Action Buttons:
- Optional: Add action buttons for navigation (for example, "Go to References" or to return to the main menu slide).
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Text Boxes:
- Use text boxes for highlighting key facts or quotes.
Step 5: Optional: Convert to Video
If you choose to convert your presentation into a video, ensure that:
- All slide transitions and animations are functioning as intended.
- The timing aligns correctly with how you want to narrate the presentation.
Final Submission
- Review your presentation for clarity, spelling, and grammar.
- Save your PowerPoint file and, if applicable, the video file.
- Submit your final presentation as required for your portfolio.
This structured approach will not only help you create a comprehensive and engaging presentation but also deepen your understanding of the significant reforms and cultural shifts during the Progressive Era. Good luck with your project!