RESEARCH PROJECT page
Research Project Due Dates: (ASSIGNED THE FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL)
Students chose which group they wanted to be on the first week of school. Papers were sent home to parents worth 10 extra credit points if they were signed & returned that first week.
RESEARCH DUE DATES (2nd Quarter & 4th Quarter):
Group A=Nov. 18 and April 13
Group B=Dec. 2 and April 20
Group C=Dec. 9 and April 27
Group D=Dec. 16 and May 4
(Click here to see which group you're in)
* Students may always turn in research projects early for 5 extra points.
* They are 10 points off for each day late.
Students chose which group they wanted to be on the first week of school. Papers were sent home to parents worth 10 extra credit points if they were signed & returned that first week.
RESEARCH DUE DATES (2nd Quarter & 4th Quarter):
Group A=Nov. 18 and April 13
Group B=Dec. 2 and April 20
Group C=Dec. 9 and April 27
Group D=Dec. 16 and May 4
(Click here to see which group you're in)
* Students may always turn in research projects early for 5 extra points.
* They are 10 points off for each day late.
Research Project Guidelines
YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
Imagine you have been hired by a national magazine to write a non-fiction article for their magazine. Your article must have 1 specific topic and 4 subtopics. You will need to include the following in your research project:
YOUR SOURCES (List these on the bibliography sheet*):
click here to view/print an extra copy of the BIBLIOGRAPHY SHEET
You must have 4 sources of information:
STEPS: (use the Plan Sheet to help you)
click here to view/print the Plan Sheet
1. Come up with a Research Topic Question
(Example: What fun things are there to do in Hawaii?)
2. You should come up with at least 4 questions you have about your topic and look through your sources to make sure you can find the answers. THEY SHOULD NOT BE YES/NO QUESTIONS.
(Example)
Question 1: What volcanoes are there to explore in Hawaii?
Question 2: Where can I go biking in Hawaii?
Question 3: Where can I find waterfalls on the island?
Question 4: What are the beaches like in Hawaii?
3. If you CAN find the information to the 4 questions, create 4 subtopics that summarize your 4 questions and write them on your OUTLINE SHEET in the subtopic boxes.
Subtopic #1 = Volcanoes
Subtopic #2 = Bike Tours
Subtopic #3 = Beaches
Subtopic #4 = Waterfalls
* If you CANNOT find the information to your questions, then you should choose different subtopics.
OUTLINE SHEET: (click here to see an example of how to do the Outline Sheet)
1. Once you have completed the BOXES on your Outline Sheets (research topic and 4 subtopics), then you will use your sources to gather information.
2. Make sure you record the sources on left side of the Outline Sheet. (Refer to the 4 sources you wrote on the Bibliography Sheet. Just write the source # and pages used.)
3. Under each subtopic, you’ll see #1, 2, 3. These are for the answers to your subtopic questions.
4. You will also see A & B under each number. These are for the details that go along with #1, 2, 3.
Example: Subtopic #1 = Volcanoes
5. Write ideas for a conclusion in the conclusion box (last page) of the Outline Sheet.
ROUGH DRAFT: (You must have a rough draft or you lose 20 points)
Now it’s time to write your report. Look at your outline to complete paragraphs 2-6.
Click here to see an example of a finished research paper
1st paragraph: Introduction
* This begins with a TOPIC SENTENCE which tells us what we will be
learning. Then you will mention the 4 subtopics in a creative way
(don’t just list all the subtopics).
2nd paragraph: Subtopic #1
* Begin with a topic sentence that tells us what the topic of this
paragraph will be. Then add the details from your outline in
complete sentences. Feel free to go back to your sources and
add more information than what was on your outline. Also, make sure your topic sentence is a SENTENCE, not a subheading. Don’t do this: “Volcanoes in Hawaii”.
3rd paragraph: Subtopic #2
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 2nd subtopic.
4th paragraph: Subtopic #3
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 3rd subtopic.
5th paragraph: Subtopic #4
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 4th subtopic.
6th paragraph: Conclusion
* This is not just one sentence. It will begin with a transitional word
(Finally, Overall, In closing, etc.) and it will summarize all your main
points from your report. It will let the reader know it is the end
(without saying “The End”).
RUBRIC:
* This is the sheet that explains how you will be graded.
(Go to bottom of page to download or click here to view)
* When you’re finished writing your rough draft, compare it to the rubric criteria, and then edit & revise as needed.
EDITING CHECKLIST:
(Go to bottom of page to download or click here to view)
FINAL COPY:
TURN IN:
* You will lose 10 points if your rough draft doesn't show proofreading marks & revisions.
And if you want extra credit, turn in:
NO EXCUSES!
YOUR ASSIGNMENT:
Imagine you have been hired by a national magazine to write a non-fiction article for their magazine. Your article must have 1 specific topic and 4 subtopics. You will need to include the following in your research project:
- An interesting introduction (1 paragraph)
- 4 paragraphs with a topic sentence stating each subtopic & adequate details
- A concluding paragraph (1 paragraph)
- An outline* (download link at bottom of page)
- A bibliography* (download link at bottom of page)
YOUR SOURCES (List these on the bibliography sheet*):
click here to view/print an extra copy of the BIBLIOGRAPHY SHEET
You must have 4 sources of information:
- 2 books
- 1 electronic source (Internet site or an app)
- Free choice (magazine, newspaper, or another book -- YOUR FREE CHOICE CANNOT BE ANOTHER ELECTRONIC SOURCE/ WEB SITE)
STEPS: (use the Plan Sheet to help you)
click here to view/print the Plan Sheet
1. Come up with a Research Topic Question
(Example: What fun things are there to do in Hawaii?)
2. You should come up with at least 4 questions you have about your topic and look through your sources to make sure you can find the answers. THEY SHOULD NOT BE YES/NO QUESTIONS.
(Example)
Question 1: What volcanoes are there to explore in Hawaii?
Question 2: Where can I go biking in Hawaii?
Question 3: Where can I find waterfalls on the island?
Question 4: What are the beaches like in Hawaii?
3. If you CAN find the information to the 4 questions, create 4 subtopics that summarize your 4 questions and write them on your OUTLINE SHEET in the subtopic boxes.
Subtopic #1 = Volcanoes
Subtopic #2 = Bike Tours
Subtopic #3 = Beaches
Subtopic #4 = Waterfalls
* If you CANNOT find the information to your questions, then you should choose different subtopics.
OUTLINE SHEET: (click here to see an example of how to do the Outline Sheet)
1. Once you have completed the BOXES on your Outline Sheets (research topic and 4 subtopics), then you will use your sources to gather information.
2. Make sure you record the sources on left side of the Outline Sheet. (Refer to the 4 sources you wrote on the Bibliography Sheet. Just write the source # and pages used.)
3. Under each subtopic, you’ll see #1, 2, 3. These are for the answers to your subtopic questions.
4. You will also see A & B under each number. These are for the details that go along with #1, 2, 3.
Example: Subtopic #1 = Volcanoes
- 1. Volcanoes National Park
- A. Has 150 miles of trails (detail about #1)
- B. Costs $10/car (another detail about #1)
- 2. Craters Road
- A. Has rivers of live lava (detail about #2)
- B. The lava here shows up best at dusk (another detail about #2)
- 3. “VOG”
- A. Stands for “Volcanic Fog” (detail about #3)
- B. Be cautious because “vog” can be hazardous to breathe (detail about #3)
5. Write ideas for a conclusion in the conclusion box (last page) of the Outline Sheet.
ROUGH DRAFT: (You must have a rough draft or you lose 20 points)
Now it’s time to write your report. Look at your outline to complete paragraphs 2-6.
Click here to see an example of a finished research paper
1st paragraph: Introduction
* This begins with a TOPIC SENTENCE which tells us what we will be
learning. Then you will mention the 4 subtopics in a creative way
(don’t just list all the subtopics).
2nd paragraph: Subtopic #1
* Begin with a topic sentence that tells us what the topic of this
paragraph will be. Then add the details from your outline in
complete sentences. Feel free to go back to your sources and
add more information than what was on your outline. Also, make sure your topic sentence is a SENTENCE, not a subheading. Don’t do this: “Volcanoes in Hawaii”.
3rd paragraph: Subtopic #2
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 2nd subtopic.
4th paragraph: Subtopic #3
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 3rd subtopic.
5th paragraph: Subtopic #4
* Same as last paragraph, except you’re using your 4th subtopic.
6th paragraph: Conclusion
* This is not just one sentence. It will begin with a transitional word
(Finally, Overall, In closing, etc.) and it will summarize all your main
points from your report. It will let the reader know it is the end
(without saying “The End”).
RUBRIC:
* This is the sheet that explains how you will be graded.
(Go to bottom of page to download or click here to view)
* When you’re finished writing your rough draft, compare it to the rubric criteria, and then edit & revise as needed.
EDITING CHECKLIST:
(Go to bottom of page to download or click here to view)
- Before you begin your final copy, go through the checklist with an adult.
- It is not required, but you will receive 5 extra credit points if an adult edits your paper, fills out the checklist, & signs it.
- To get the extra credit, the editing handwriting must be from the same person who signs the editing checklist.
FINAL COPY:
- Use a thesaurus if you need to get rid of “dead” (boring or vague) words. (Do NOT use these words: happy, sad, mad, bad, good, thing, cool, nice, etc.) BE SPECIFIC.
- Spell, punctuate, and capitalize correctly.
- The final copy may be handwritten (neatly) or typed.
- If you HANDWRITE your report:
- Skip lines and use your best writing.
- Indent every paragraph. Everything else touches the margins.
- Do not write on the back of the pages.
- Do not use paper from your 3-subject notebook.
- If you TYPE your report: (If you don’t understand how to do this, maybe a parent can help. If not, just handwrite it on notebook paper.)
- Double spaced (line spacing = 2)
- Font must be Arial size 12/ black.
- Indent every paragraph. The margins should be 1-inch.
TURN IN:
- Outline Sheet (showing the page# and sources you used - left margin)
- Rough Draft (showing the proofreading marks & revisions)
- Final Copy
- Bibliography Sheet (listing the 4 sources of information you used)
* You will lose 10 points if your rough draft doesn't show proofreading marks & revisions.
And if you want extra credit, turn in:
- Editing Checklist (for those who want 5 extra credit points, have your report edited by an adult & have them sign the checklist)
NO EXCUSES!
- Everyone knows the first week of school when his/her report is due, so there are NO excuses. It is due on the scheduled day. If you are sick the day it is due, or if there is a snow day/ other cancellation, then your paper is still due when you return or it is late.
- If it is late, it is 10 points off each day it is late.
- This is not something you should do in one evening. This project will take time, so use any extra time in class to work on it.
- Have all of your materials (books, outline, bibliography, draft, etc.) in class EVERY day so that you can work on it if you finish your other work.
- I don’t give other homework papers during the week, so I expect quality work.
Links & downloads
Click the links below to view an example of a research paper, along with other necessary documents that were given in class.
* Click here to see sample report (Don't highlight your topic sentences in your report. I just did it to show you how they connect to your outline. The subtopics are in orange to make it easier for you to see.)
* Click here to see a sample outline (EXAMPLE of what to do)
* Click here to see or print the plan sheet.
* Click here to see or print the blank outline sheet.
* Click here to see or print the bibliography sheet.
* Click here to see or print the editing checklist.
* Click here to see or print the rubric (grade sheet).
* Click here to see sample report (Don't highlight your topic sentences in your report. I just did it to show you how they connect to your outline. The subtopics are in orange to make it easier for you to see.)
* Click here to see a sample outline (EXAMPLE of what to do)
* Click here to see or print the plan sheet.
* Click here to see or print the blank outline sheet.
* Click here to see or print the bibliography sheet.
* Click here to see or print the editing checklist.
* Click here to see or print the rubric (grade sheet).
