1. Westward Expansion in the United States
Social Studies Research Project
Westward Expansion in the United States
Class 705

2. Research Project Overview
During the months of May and June, you will be completing your Social Studies Research Project. Your tasks will include research and note-taking; writing a 5-7 paragraph research paper. This project is part part of a project-based unit. You will work on the majority of these tasks in class.
Research Project Overview

3. Research Project Components
Choosing 3 topics
Research- (Note-taking sheets)
Draft (5-Paragraphs)
Works cited page
Revision (Final Copy)

4. Part I: Choosing Your Topics
Getting Started:
Step 1: Choose three topics to research from the choice of 7 sub topics under the theme of Westward Expansion.
Step 2: Sign the class list and write down your three topics next to your signature.
Step 3: Begin researching your topics using your Social Studies Text Book. (use headings and bullet points)

5. Part II: Researching your Topics and Note taking
Part I: Researching your Topic
Begin taking notes on your topic. Write the title Social Studies Exit project on the top of a blank page in your notebook. Then write the name of your topic followed by the title: Background Research. Use web and text resources and begin your research. Keep a record of your sources
Take notes on your topic using a bullet point format. Use the following guiding questions to help you with your note taking:
Who was involved with this event?
What happened? (several bullet points)
When did this event take place?
What were some of the reasons why this event happened?
What were some of the effects of this event?
Assessment 1: Note-Taking Packet will be graded on completion, accuracy and detail. (Must complete 3 of the 7 topics.

6. Part IIi Writing your Research Paper
Task: Write a 5-7 paragraph research paper on the topics that you have researched. The focus of your paper will be to discuss three events that contributed to the expansion of the United States. Each body paragraph will address a different event, act or ideology.
You will need to include a Works Cited Page with your research paper.

7. Writing your Introduction
Begin with an attention-grabbing sentence
Create a Thesis Statement
Summarize what your essay will discuss using the third person
Briefly give examples of each sub-topic

8. Body Paragraph Outline
Discuss topic 1
Discuss topic 2
Discuss topic 3
Example:
Body 1- Homestead Act
Body 2- Louisiana Purchase
Body 3- Gold Rush

9. Writing Your Conclusion
Re-State your Thesis statement
Sum up what you have discussed in your body paragraphs (1 example from each paragraph)
Concluding Sentence (Impact on the United States)

10. Part 4- Works Cited Page Citing web sites: http://www.easybib.com/
Citing books Example
Authors last name, first name. Title. Publishing company, Place of publication, copyright (year).

11. Writing the Final Draft
You will post your draft to engrade and will receive feedback so you can revise and write the final copy of your research paper.
You will use the engrade feedback to complete Improving My Writing Organizer to list the strengths and weaknesses of your writing, so you can improve.

12. Writing the Final Draft continued
Checklist
Did I make revisions and edit my paper based on engrade comments?
Did I include a title for my paper?
Did I include subtitles for each body?
Did I properly cite evidence throughout the paper?
Have I created a separate Works Cited Page using the proper format?

13. Project Progression Due Dates:
You will receive one week to complete each part of the project (4 Class Periods) Due the following Monday.
Note-Taking Sheet (3-Topics)
5-7 Paragraph Draft with Works Cited Page
Revision