Research Sem

Course Description:

Research Seminar is a Providence School Department graduation requirement.  The purpose of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to explore and research a topic of their personal interest after approval by the Mt. Pleasant Senior Research Seminar Advisory Board.  Students are to adopt the MLA writing format and to submit a research paper that meets proficiency according to the research seminar writing rubric.  Upon completion of the research paper, students will prepare a 10-20 minute presentation on their topic that must include a digital product of their choice.  This digital product can be in the form of a slideshow presentation, a video file, or Photostory.

While guidance and support will be provided during class time, students will be required to work independently and meet all required deadlines.

Common Core Standards Addressed:

• Common Core:  Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening
• ISTE/ National Educational Technology Standard (NETS):
  1. Creativity and Innovation
  2. Communication and Collaboration
  3. Research and Information Fluency
  4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making
  5. Digital Citizenship

Required Textbooks, Reading and Supplementary Materials:

• Binder & Notebook with Folders
• Flash/Jump Drive
• Class Website:  https://compchutech.edublogs.org/

Assignment and Examination Schedule:

3rd Quarter Assignment	Due Date	Point Value
Research Project Proposal Worksheet	Friday, Feb. 7, 2014	5
Ethical Statement	Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2014	5
Introductory Paragraph / Thesis Statement	Friday, Feb. 14, 2014	5
Source Worksheet 1	Friday, Feb. 28, 2014	5
1st Outline (Working Outline)	Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2014	5
Final Outline (Sentence Outline)	Friday, Mar. 14, 2014	5
First Draft of Research Paper	Friday, Mar. 28 2014	40
Blog	On-going	10
Discussion Forum	Weekly	10
Attendance & Participation	On-going	10
Everfi: Financial Literacy	Extra Credits
Total		100

4th Quarter Assignment	Due Date	Point Value
Second Draft of Research Paper	Friday, Apr. 11, 2014	10
Source Worksheet 2	Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2014	5
Final Draft in MLA writing format	Tuesday, May 13, 2014	50
Digital Product	Friday, May 30, 2014	10
Formal Presentation	Last 2 Weeks of School	10
Blog	On-going	5
Discussion Forum	Weekly	5
Attendance & Participation	On-going	5
Everfi: Financial Literacy	Extra Credits
Total		100

Final Research Paper:

The final research paper will be double spaced using Times New Roman 12-point font, and include a title and works cited page at the end.  The paper will be prepared in MLA format and the length will be approximately 8-10 pages not including Works Cited page.

Digital Project Choices:  Upon completion of the research paper, students will create a digital product to go along with their formal presentation.  The digital product can be, but is not limited to one or a combination of the following options:

• A video file (5-6 minutes) – using programs such as iMovies, Animoto, Windows Movie Maker, and Masher
• A presentation file – using programs such as PowerPoint, Prezi, and Jumpcut
• A Photostory file – using programs such as Windows Photo Story, JayCut, ZooBurst, and Glogster

Blog:  To help you stay on task, you will create a blog to document your learning and progress throughout the duration of the course.  You can create a free blog by going to http://edublogs.org.  Click on “Get your free blog now” and sign up for a free account.

Ready to begin writing your Research Paper?

1. Start by downloading and reviewing the steps listed in the Research Seminar Guide & Organizational Checklist Sheet.  Save and use this handout to help you stay organize and on-track to completing all tasks.
2. Brainstorm to select a Topic
3. Begin your Research by gathering credible sources
4. Develop a Thesis Statement
5. Create an Outline
6. Start your First Draft
7. Have teacher(s), classmates, and parents read your paper
8. Edit & Revise your Draft

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