Where we are, and where we are going...Living Museum

After some one on one work with groups, and students this week, I have a good idea of where the class is regarding their Living Museum projects, and where we need to focus some of our efforts, so here is the plan for the week ahead, and some tips for what should be done on the home front....
A lot of talk has gone on among all the junior classes regarding 'proposals' and 'elevator pitches' and it became clear to me in the past week or so that there may have been so much planning for some that they are worn out, or confused as to how to actually complete the project.  We have simplified the focus in class by making sure that each group understands what they need to be preparing for.
Each group has chosen a topic, which addresses at least one big question, involving a comparison of some aspect of an ancient civilization/medieval civilization (or first nations culture).  On our museum day they need to be prepared to present (ideally acting in character from their topic) their big idea, and information relating to it in a short (approx. 5 min or less) skit or walk through.  They all need some sort of visual display to support their ``museum booth``, so a poster or tri-fold display needs to be created.
In class we have explored how to use Google Docs (accessed through the OCDSB website, under `students` in ways that allow the students to collaborate from different locations.  This week each group created a research document and went about collection information and images that will be adapted and used on their display and in their presentation. 
We identified that overloading on text will make the display less effective, so we set approximately five sub topics as a good number to reach for. 
Visuals (pictures, diagrams, maps, charts, etc) should make up at least a third of the display (3-5 at least, depending on how they are used).
Props can be made or brought in to support the presentation, and in fact it is encouraged.
Students should try to dress the part for their topic or presentation theme (some are pretending to be curators, some adventurous archeologists a la Indiana Jones).
This weekend students need to complete their research collection, as Monday we will start writing up the information for our displays, and preparing for our presentation.  Any photos needing to be printed can be printed in black and white only at school, so colour prints need to be done at home.
We will use the following week to prepare for the presentation with rehearsals, and trouble shooting of displays.
I hope that this sets things out more clearly.  There are some great topics being investigated.  Remember that the goal is for students to enlighten each visitor on at least one major topic with their presentation and display. 
Just to give you and idea of topics, here are a few ...
Comparing health care in medieval times to the modern day.
Comparing warriors in Ancient Egypt, Rome, and China.
Exploration of the various weapons used and castles visited during the crusade.
Exploration of medieval fashion, comparing peasant clothing with nobility, and peasants with today`s clothing.