Elements

of
culture
project

Mrs. Dibbets Social StudiesFall 2015

NAME __________________________________________________________ Period _______

Culture Unit Essential Questions

What is culture? Culture is everything that makes up a persons entire way of life.

What are the basic elements of culture?

Social Organization
Customs and Traditions
Arts and Literature
Government
Economics
Language
Religion

Why is culture important? All cultures have features that result from basic needs shared by all
people. Every culture has methods of obtaining food and shelter. Every culture has ways to
protect itself against invaders. It also has family relationships, religious beliefs, artistic
expression, scientific knowledge, literature, etc. Cultures differ in each of these areas, but it is
those differences that make them unique.

Purpose of culture project:

Culture is something that we all are a part of in our everyday lives, whether we know it or not,
and is the process by which we make sense of the world we live in. One of the problems, as
well as the pleasures, of studying culture is that almost everything seems to be related to it.
The goal of this project is to raise individual student awareness about their own person
cultures, that is the culture of their family, and to reflect on how that culture contributes to
their individuality. We hope this project helps to share individual cultures with the school
community in hopes of creating greater understanding of the similarities and differences
among us and in the world.

**The basis for this project was taken from Lakota Middle School in the state of
Washington.**

STEP 1: PROJECT PROPOSAL

Due Thursday, September 17
Name:

Culture Identification:

_______________________________

This project will emphasize the country in which

your family is originally from. Students will focus
on the culture and tradition of that country. If
possible, students will explore those parts of the
culture that still plays an important part in their
family.

Below are the 7 Elements of Culture. Please talk with members of your family to identify
each element, and brainstorm an idea for each that would represent your culture.
Social
Organization
Customs &
Traditions

Arts &
Literature

Government

Economics

Language

Religion

Parent Signature: _______________________________________________________________

Student Signature: ______________________________________________________________

STEP 2: CULTURE BOX

Students will find or create one artifact for each element of culture. Each artifact should
represent the selected culture. Students can explain how each artifact is important to
his/her culture.

To Meet Culture Box Requirements:

Student includes a TITLE on their culture box that reflects the topic chosen.
o Title is in large font, neatly written, and appealing to look at.
Student includes a WORLD MAP that shows where their culture is from.
Student includes a FLAG for the culture explored.
o Flag should be colorful and detailed.
Student includes SEVEN (7) artifacts representing the elements of culture in their
cultural box.
o All seven elements of culture must be represented.
o Artifacts must be authentic or a replicano more than 2 pictures of artifacts
allowed!
Students can find artifacts from home or can re-create artifacts.
o The outside of the box should be decorated with the world map, flag and other
pictures showing the selected culture.
o All images and pictures should be colorful and neatly arranged.

To Exceed Standard:
All required parts of culture box are of exceptionally high quality and design.
Extra time and effort are clear.
Outside of box shows artistic touchesbright colors, texture, creative
pictures/illustrations, etc.
Flag includes a caption explaining the historical significance of the culture.
Pictures/images are highly relevant to the culture.

*Culture Box is worth 25 points:

Outside = 10 points
Inside = 14 (2 points per artifactartifact must be present and follow
directions)
Extra point (first and last name): 1 point

STEP 3: PRESENTATION
The last aspect of the Elements of Culture project will be the presentation of the cultural boxes
to the class. Students must demonstrate knowledge of their culture, and also show grade level
speaking skills. The purpose of the presentation is to explain the significance of each artifact to
the chosen culture. We hope the class cultural awareness will grow as a result of this project.

To Meet Standard:
Student has rehearsed the presentation and is prepared.
o Student uses appropriate voice level and speaks clearly.
o Student maintains eye contact throughout presentation.
o Student has note cards to guide them.
o Student does not rush through each artifact.
Students presentation will be 4-5 minutes long. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!!
o Students must practice in order to meet this time requirement.
Student adequately explains the importance and significance of each artifact.
o Student should explain why each artifact is important to the chosen culture.
o Student should explain why they chose each artifact.

To Exceed Standard:
Students presentation goes above and beyond in all areas:
o Presentation is highly engaging and informative.
o Student does not need to continually be referring to their notecards
presentation is nearly memorized.
o Student includes personal stories about artifacts.
o Student includes additional element to acknowledge culture:
Plays cultural music
Dresses in cultural clothing
Demonstrates cultural dance or performance.

**Presentation is worth 25 points:

Presentation skillsvolume, eye-contact, etc. (5 points)

Explanation of artifactsincludes the significance and importance of each (15 points)
Time requirement (5 points)

Practice Presentation Form

Tonights homework is for you to practice your presentation in front of an adult or classmate in
order to prepare for your presentation. While you present, have them fill out this form to help
you improve. This form will be collected and counts as a homework assignment.
DUE: Wednesday, September 23
Student Name
Culture Chosen

Check All That Apply

Student speaks clearly

Student uses appropriate volume
Student makes eye-contact
Students does NOT read directly from notecards
Student uses notecards to guide them
Presentation is 4-5 minutes in length
Student explains the importance and significance of all 7
artifacts

Positive Feedback

Suggested
Improvements

Circle Number of
Times Rehearsed
Audience Signature
Student Signature

PROJECT CHECKLIST
Culture Box:
Outside of Box:
Title
World Map
Flag
Pictures, drawings, words
Name
Inside of BoxArtifact for each element:
Social Organization
Customs & Traditions
Arts & Literature
Government
Economics
Language
Religion

Presentation:

Notecards complete
4-5 minutes in length
Explanation of each artifact
Practice time

Notecard Information Example:

Card #

Element:

Points to Make

Plans for gestures, artifact, etc.:

REMEMBER: Eye Contact, volume level, smile