AP United States History Hall of Fame Assignment

U.S. History (on-level and advanced) Top Five historical events of your lifetime

You are to create a Top Five list of the most important events that have occurred during your lifetime. This would be the period from 2001-2016. You may select any events except the following:  9/11 (some of you were born in 2001…can’t use it)  Celebrity News (Deflategate, Ariana Grande’s Donutgate or ANYTHING involving Justin Bieber, earth-shattering nonetheless, do not qualify.) In other words, nothing that would have been covered mostly by “entertainment” sources such as TMZ, etc. These events may have occurred anywhere around the globe and should include a variety of topics. That is, avoid listing 5 natural disasters (1 natural disaster is the limit)

Assignment:  You are to write one brief paragraph (max 25 words) that summarizes each event or explains what occurred. This should not be a “cut and paste” from an internet source, but in your own words.  You are to write a second paragraph (max 50 words) giving your own thoughtful rationale as to why it merited inclusion as a top five event.  Do not summarize or retell the event in the second paragraph, rather explain why you chose the event.  List should be rank ordered (duh.) 5th to 1st, or 1st to 5th….as long as it is in order.  Include a works cited page that includes one news article for each of the events you selected. (No Wikipedia entries or wiki or ask.com answers.)  You are allowed up to one (1) image per event to help you illustrate why your event is in the top 5. Please, keep the image small and appropriate for school (don’t forget to cite the source in your works cited).  Use a dedicated cover page with your Name, class period, and a short list of your top 5 (see the example attached…none of my events are in your lifetime, so you can’t use them)  Your works cited page is to be in MLA format.  Quit whining about the MLA requirement! You know you have to do it that way in high school. Plus, with Microsoft Office it is super easy!!!!  This will be due on Friday, June 3, 2016  If you are absent it should be emailed to my school account. If you are present, it should be printed and turned in.  As a reminder, if your National History Day project went to Tallahassee, you get a pass on this assignment; free 100 pts.   Grading: Summary Paragraph: 5 x 8 points = 40 pts Rationale Paragraph: 5 x 10 points = 50 pts Works Cited, Order of list, format, cover page = 10 pts Total: 100 pts Cover Page Example:

(Student name)

U.S. History, Period ____

Due Date (June 3, 2016)

Top 5 Events of my lifetime (1977-2016):

5) Iran Hostage Crisis (ended January 20, 1981)

4) Chernobyl Nuclear Meltdown and Explosion (1986)

3) Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989)

2) Presidential Election of 2000

1) Fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989