Extra Credit Opportunities over Memorial Weekend

1. Write a research paper about Norman Mineta, our current Secretary of Transportation and for whom San Jose International Airport is named. Your paper should be at least 2 pages in length, either computer generated or neatly written in ink. Mr. Mineta is a former internee at Manzanar. Your paper should include some biographical information about Mr. Mineta---where he was born, what his childhood was like, and anything else you can find about his growing up. Then, include Mr. Mineta's accomplishments in life: what positions has he held and what impact has he made. Please do not cut and paste. This must be written in your own words and you must include a bibliography so I know where you got your information.

2. Write a research paper about either of California's two former Japanese internment camps, Manzanar or Tule Lake. Include any information you can find about the camp: when it was opened, how many internees it held, what activities did the internees do there, schooling, jobs, violence or disturbances, and anything else you can find. You may include some primary source material if you wish (quotes or information from former internees that you find during your research). Again, no cutting and pasting. This must be written in your own words, computer generated or neatly written in ink. The length should be at least 2 pages.

3. Do some research about Kaiser's shipyards in California during World War II. How many shipyards did he have? How many workers did Kaiser employ? What types of ships did he build at the shipyards? How many ships were built? Any interesting information or accomplishments? Again, do some general research and include any information about Kaiser's shipyards that you can find. No cutting and pasting, must be written in your own words. Computer-generated or written neatly in ink.

4. Do some research about California aircraft companies that built aircraft during World War II. Some of these companies include Lockheed, Douglas, Consolidated Vultee, North American, Hughes, and Northrup. Find out where these aircraft companies were located, what types of planes did they build for the war effort, how many planes, how many workers were employed, and anything else that you can find during your research that's interesting. Again, no cutting and pasting. Please write the paper neatly in ink or computer-generate it. Length should be at least two pages.

5. Do some research about the effort of women in California during World War II. This was a time when many women went to work for the first time in their lives and were represented by the icon "Rosie the Riveter." What types of jobs did women do? Where did they work in California during the war years? Found out how many women were employed at aircraft or shipyard factories during the war years and what jobs did they do there. Again, anything interesting you could find on this topic would be nice. No cutting and pasting; write the paper neatly or computer-generate it.