Research Step 1

Objective

Anticipatory Set

Create a Google Drive folder containing all your sources for the research paper by using the SIRS database to create Google Docs of your articles.

-First, link you oceanschools.org account with with the database as seen in the screenshot below

-Allow the database permission to access your Google drive

-When you find an article to cite, be sure to click the Save to Google Classroom button

-You can then access the articles as Google Docs in your Google Drive in a new folder titled ProQuest Issues Researcher

**If you encounter the following error message, click "Advanced", then "go to sirs.com (unsafe)," then Allow the database permission to access your Google Drive.

Lesson

Go to the HS Library website with links and passwords to the subscription databases. Browse databases that contain articles on controversial topics:

Get a sense of what a controversy about that topic might be.

• Note how some article titles suggest they are on one side of the controversy, while other titles suggest the opposite.
• If you do not see opposing article titles, you do not have a controversy you can pursue.
• Look for at least 3 titles that are on one side and 3 articles on the opposing side to decide if enough information exists to select that controversy. Articles may be from multiple databases.
• There may be more than one controversy for an issue. Make sure you narrow down to one controversy that has opposing sides with at least 3 articles on each side.

Choose a Controversy

• Once you choose a controversy, open the pre-write_organizer loaded in the assignment in Google Classroom.
• Fill in the information for Part 1 to prove you have identified a controversy and that there are 2 sides to the issue.

For example:

Topic:

Global Warming

What is the controversy or argument?

The controversy might be whether or not it is a real problem or just media hype.

What one side believes and why?

One side believes it is the fault of humans because of the toxic elements released by industrial society.

What the other side believes and why?

The other side believes it is just a natural phase of Mother Nature, just like the Ice Age, and will have to run its course.

NJ Standards

• TECH.8.1.12.E.CS1 - [Content Statement] - Plan strategies to guide inquiry.
• TECH.8.1.12.E.CS2 - [Content Statement] - Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media.
• TECH.8.1.12.E.CS3 - [Content Statement] - Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness for specific tasks.
• LA.9-10.WHST.9-10.7 - [Progress Indicator] - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
• LA.9-10.WHST.9-10.8 - [Progress Indicator] - Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.