Ever had a really good question about something and were dying to know the answer to it, but then by the time you had the opportunity to research it, you had forgotten all about it?  

          Well, here is your chance!  In this project, not only do you get to find out the answer to that burning question, but you also get to work with a partner to get the job done!  Then, you even get to share your findings with the rest of the class. 

Before You Start:

These are the I Can Statements that we will be focusing on:

W.7.6  I can use technology to produce and publish writing.

I can use technology to interact and collaborate with others through writing.

I can properly link and cite sources in my writing.

W.7.7  I can do a short research project using several different sources to answer a question. 

I can come up with additional questions related to the original for more research and investigation.

W.7.8  I can gather relevant information from many different print and digital sources while making sure each one is credible.

I can both quote and paraphrase the ideas of others without plagiarizing!

I can do a standard works cited/bibliography for sources.

W.7.9-a  I can find evidence in literary sources to help me analyze, reflect, and research.

W.7.9-b  I can find evidence in informational texts to help me analyze, reflect, and research.

Review:

What are the criteria for choosing a reliable source?

What are some web search techniques we have learned that will help ensure a better search result?

What do you need to do to make sure you do not plagiarize?

Step 1: Help your teacher figure out a good question to research based on her ideas, and then do research to track down the answer.  

For example, Mrs. K has recently been wondering about the differences between the iTouch (LCD screen) and the Kindle (e-ink technology) for reading ebooks.  More specifically, is one better than they other as far as it's impact on eyesight?  So, she might come up with the question, "Which device, the iTouch (LCD screen) or the Kindle (e-ink technology), is easier on the eyes for reading ebooks?"  

How can the question she decides to ask and the process she follows to research help to find the answer?  

What are the key steps that should be followed in this process? 

Step 2:  You and your partner start by making a list of some questions that have always bothered you, or that you have wanted to know the answer to but have just never taken the time to find out.  

Come up with several questions each on your own and then share and compare with your partner to see if there is something you would both like to tackle.

HINTS:  

1) Avoid questions that are so silly that there is no real "answer" to be found--ex. "Is Chuck Norris the bomb?"

2) try to focus on more than just a simple yes/no answer--add a "why?" to your question if you need to

3) Think a little deeper about your question to see if there are any factors that can affect your answer and consider those as well. 

Step 3:  Start your research.  

Use at least 2-3 sources to gather information on your question.  

Keep track of the sources you get information from with this document--Internet Citation Organizer.  

Remember to stay focused on your question.  It is easy to get side-tracked while researching, but if you stay focused on your question you will make much better and quicker progress.  

Also, remember to use reliable sources as we have discussed in the past--use this info to help you decide if the source is reliable or not if you are not sure Evaluating Internet Sources. 

You NEED a Works Cited to include in both the paper and the presentation! Use EasyBib to help you create a complete and accurate Works Cited with at least 2-3 sources cited.

HINT: You have a partner, put him/her to work!  Divide up the researching duties and you can scan through possibilities much quicker. 

Step 4:  Create a bubble map/outline for your ideas with Inspiration.  

Basically, you need to organize the info you found in your sources into anoutline that will help you easily transition that info to your writing. This should include planning for an introduction with a thesis statement, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Step 5:  Prepare a written explanation of your findings.  

Be sure to include a brief introduction explaining your question and why you chose it, a short conclusion to sum everything up, and, of course, the main body of the piece explaining your findings. 

Use these to check your paper for plagiarism. Saying you did not know it was plagiarized is NOT an excuse. If it says "possible plagiarism" it IS plagiarized and needs to be fixed!

Plagiarism Checker

PaperRater Plagiarism Checker

Step 6:  Put together a presentation for the class to share your findings with them.  You get to choose what kind of format you would like to use (Google Presentation, imovie, Google Site, oral presentation, etc.) as long as it has a visual component as well as incorporating your written piece.  

Remember to have fun with it and make it interesting for your classmates.  Nobody likes to sit through boring presentations!  

(HINT: Double check any difficult words with the teacher or your dictionary's audio files to make sure you are pronouncing those words correctly before you present!)