Graduation research Project Before we embark on this journey, let’s watch an analogy…. “Research and a Road trip” One of the most important things you will do as a Senior is complete your Graduation Project. Always refer to your Research Packet when in doubt. In class, we will go over, in detail, how to write your Graduation Research Paper. http://www.beatyenglish.wikispaces.com

Feeling Nervous? It’s normal to be nervous about completing a project that is needed in order to meet Graduation requirements. As long as you stay on task and meet deadlines, you WILL survive! Let’s watch a few short videos to get us started… http://www.60secondrecap.com/resource/1-get-psyched/ http://www.60secondrecap.com/resource/3-organization/ Let’s review some basic information… Basic Steps to Creating a Research Project- CRLS Research Guide.pdf

Choosing a topic The first step in the process for successfully completing your Graduation Project is to choose a topic. Social Issues will be the focus. We will view the choices on the next slide, and There are also handouts with the topics listed for your convenience. Remember to sign up for The topic of your choice.

Collecting resources 1. You will need a combination of 3 different sources, for a total of at least 5 sources such as Books, Journals, Articles, Internet sources, etc… 2. Library time will be scheduled to help you begin gathering Books. Class time will be scheduled to gather other Internet sources.

After gathering resources The next step after you have your resources is to begin creating your Thesis statement. Before we begin, let’s view a short recap about creating Thesis statements… http://www.60secondrecap.com/resource/2-thesis-statement/ Next, we will view a PowerPoint to help further clarify how to write a strong Thesis statement.

Thesis PowerPoint. \. \. \. \. \Desktop\thesis_statement_powerpoint[1] Thesis PowerPoint ..\..\..\..\..\Desktop\thesis_statement_powerpoint[1].ppt

Filling in outline Now that you have chosen your Topic and created your Thesis Statement, fill in your Graduation Research Paper Outline. You should fill in your Topic and Thesis Statement. ..\..\..\..\..\Desktop\Grad Project outline worksheet.doc

You’re on your way! Now that you are ready to move on, let’s view a few short videos to guide you on the next part of your journey through the Grad. Project. http://www.60secondrecap.com/resource/4-proving-you-know-what-youre-talking-about/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq_oBKx0u-Y http://www.60secondrecap.com/resource/6-conclusion/

Scanning resources At this point, you have your Topic and Thesis statement. Now it’s time to begin scanning to determine if the sources you have will really help you. At this point, you may need to return books and search for more sources. We will complete a Scanning activity to help you practice scanning.

scanning activity 1. Type in the following address: http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/reading/techniques/scanning/game.shtml 2. Use the worksheet provided to record answers as you scan through the site to Solve the Murder. The techniques that you will use to Solve the Murder are the same scanning techniques you will use when you begin scanning your resources. ..\..\..\..\..\Desktop\Cluesheet for skillwise murder.PDF

Scanning continued…. 3. In order to begin the activity: A. Click “Play the Game” B. Read the information and click “Next” C. Click “No Timer”, read, and click “Next” to begin. Plug in your earphones, as there is audio. http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/words/reading/techniques/scanning/game.shtml

Finished with the scanning Activity? 1. Hand in your completed worksheet. 2. Begin Scanning your resources. Remember, the resources HAVE TO BACK UP AND SUPPORT YOUR THESIS! 3. You may have to find additional resources to adequately prove your Thesis.

Creating Sources Cards Now that you have your resources, have scanned through them, and are sure that you will use theses resources in your paper, it’s time to create “Source Cards”. Making Source Cards- CRLS Research Guide.pdf *Refer to the sample Source Card Worksheet

Note Cards Now that you have the resources you will need, it’s time to begin reading….. As you read/scan, start looking for supporting details and facts to back up your Thesis. As you find supporting details, begin filling out Note Cards. I suggest finding at least 2-3 supporting details and quotes , from each resources, as this way you can pick and choose which ones are most relevant to your Thesis. You will need citations from each source you use, so consider this as you start deciding on supporting details. Remember, you will need 1-2 citations on EACH page! Let’s review Note Cards… Making Note Cards- CRLS Research Guide.pdf

How do I create note cards???? *This step may seem like “busy work”, but your Note Cards will help you pull your paper together. You will create your Note Cards on Index cards that will be provided to you. DO NOT REMOVE THESE NOTE CARDS FROM CLASS! If they become lost, you will have to start the process all over again. Be sure to include ALL information, so that when it comes time to do your citations, it will be a breeze! *If you find quotes to use, or are using someone else’s ideas, you HAVE to give them credit. On your Note Card, be sure to put his/her words in “” so you remember that those were not your own ideas/words in order to avoid plagiarism. *Remember to include the page numbers! Save yourself the hassle of having to go through all of your resources to find pages! *Refer to the Sample Note Card worksheet…

After the note cards… Concentrate on your Thesis statement…. See if you can arrange your Note Cards according to titles/details that go together, in 3-5 separate piles. Now it’s time to decide which supporting details you will use. Fill in your “Outline” –Parts III, IV, and V, A and B should be able to be filled out through the use of your Note Cards.

Topic sentences Based on your Supporting Details, you are now ready to start writing your Topic Sentences. We will listen to a podcast about using Topic Sentences appropriately. http://beattyenglish.wikispaces.com/

MLA documentation MLA+Documentation.ppt