Crafting Research into a Final Project
Most often the hardest thing to do is get started on a research project. I know, I know the teacher talked about it but you weren't really listening...so. Let's try it again; Trailhead Commons style!
Step 1: Choose A Topic
The teacher left it up to you to choose? Brainstorm a topic. What is an issue in that you are passionate about? You must research the problem, research its causes, and persuasively argue for how we should solve it.
Wow! Crippling number of choices and no direction? Need help getting started? Try the following lists below. Also, be careful when taking research notes; do them well and you won't have to return to the source. And remember: persuasive arguments account for both sides of the issue then focus on your viewpoint.
RESEARCH TOPICS 2.pdfRESEARCH TOPICS 1.pdfStep 2: Find Helpful Information
Want a good place to start any project? Start basic with Encyclopedia Britannica as it provides a skeleton/outline for important points in the topic to search. Follow up with reputable databases such as Ebsco, Gale or Facts on File; coincidentally, all of these are provided to you under classlink as apps. (Use our standard library log in to access the databases. The classlink app list the logins on the page.)
Recommended scanner apps to use are Adobe Scan for pdf formats sent to the cloud (IOS or Google) and Office Lens for Office 365 (IOS or Google) has unbeatable text in OCR format.
Recommended note taking apps will always be OneNote and Google Keep as the leaders of the pack.
Why type if you can talk and the computer or phone will type for you? Try these options: Google Keyboard (AND $0), Speech Notes (AND $0), Just Press Record (IOS $5), and Transcribe (IOS $0).
Step 3: Research Your Chosen Topic
Research your topic. You should have AT LEAST five reputable sources from multiple fields (video, interview, book, magazine, journal, website, etc). You will need to cite any text, graphs, videos or images -- really anything you embed into your project. If you are worried about your source, then something is making you pause. Ask your instructor or Ms. Warzecha if you are uncertain if your source is legitimate.
You sure about that? Know your material. What kind of sources can you pull from? How do you know if they're legit? Remember your CRAAP test.
Step 4: Start Your Papers! Pull Useful Information.
Write your research paper, storyboard your video or write note cards for your presentation!
Teachers will have specific criteria for format, length, font styles and font sizes. North Side favors a persuasive writing approach, but there are many others to choose from.
Consider outlining research using a graphic organizer like the ones presented on Understand.org. Or try the free option at LucidChart. Or try Sacred Heart's detailed plan for writing your own outline.
Or turn Persuasive writing into an art form with this library's help.
Step 5: Final Draft
Format your research paper. Please feel free to ask your instructor or Ms. Warzecha any questions you have about how to format your essay or how to use shortcuts to maximize your time.
a research paper length generally does not include the cover page, table of contents, and/or a bibliography
MLA or APA format
printed out and submitted neatly in a report cover. (Don't forget to spellcheck, grammarcheck and punctuation.) The library has an open source printer that is student accessible and prints from thumb drives.
Did you know that MSWORD will help format your research paper with little effort? Just type the paper and have it ready for your 'format' day in the library. The librarian will walk you through the process of making it beautiful and complete during class--'cause I'm awesome. (People caught repeating that will get preferential treatment.) Some quick video guides to help with formatting. Want to preset preferences for MLA? What about using citations and references? How do I get that table of contents? I'll help walk you through it in the library if you have any questions.
Step 6: Evaluation
Critique your final project/paper as if it belonged to another person. Or better yet, participate in a peer review using flipgrid, padlet or another outlet.
Isn't this like 'judging'? Well, no -- not if your intent is to learn to do a better job and teach yourself things you might have missed in your project.
20071107114250_712.pptGet into the right headspace. What types of feedback are helpful.
Grading_rubric_for_History_of_Healthcare_project_1_.docxBe honest. Be constructive. Be open.
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