TOTEM POLE PROJECT DIRECTIONS
  1. The totem pole project is a requirement to receive a passing grade for the semester .
  2. Your totem pole represents 4 generations. The people you choose do not have to be from the same side of your family tree.
  3. You should choose your symbols carefully to represent each generation
    LAYOUT

    GREAT GRANDPARENT
    GRANDPARENT
    PARENT
    YOU

    6 TIPS FOR A GOOD GRADE
    1. Use lots of color. Don't show too much brown.
    2. Layer your symbols to give a 3D effect.
    3. A few large symbols (5 to 8) is better than many tiny symbols.
    4. Trim each panel. Make a boarder for each panel.
    5. Be neat. It is more important to be neat than to be a great artist.
    6. Add no computer clip art, glitter or magazine pictures.
  4. The materials: butcher paper background (teacher provided) colors, paper for symbols, glue, etc. (pupil provided).
  5. The quality of the artwork will be graded equally with the appropriateness of the symbols. See the Totem Pole Rubric.
  6. All symbols must be handmade and original. No computer clipart and no magazine pictures are allowed. It is ok to have another person help you with the art work.
  7. If you choose to include more than one person on a panel, the connection must be clearly symbolized. Use a dividing line to separate the two individuals.
  8. There must be an explanation (one-half page per generation) of the symbols on each panel and why you choose them. Place the explanation on the back of the corresponding panel of the totem pole. See the Totem Pole Rubric.
  9. Five Extra credit points will be given if your explanation is typed.
  10. Five extra credit points will be awarded if your totem pole project is turned in early.
  11. LATE PROJECTS: There will be one grade deducted for each day it is late.
    Student Totem Pole Examples
Overall Layout
Close Up Examples

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