Research Project

THEME

Teaching Tolerance: A Look into History, Oppression, and the Fight for Equality

The theme for this nonfiction/research unit is Teaching Tolerance: A Look into History, Oppression, and the Fight for Equality. Each of the texts that we are reading relate to this theme and allow us to consider the big idea and the essential questions that drive this unit.

BIG IDEA

How does our comprehension of a nonfiction text impact our understanding of the world around us?

The reason we read nonfiction texts such as biographies, memoirs, and journals is to get a better understanding of what someone else has experienced. By exposing ourselves to these firsthand or retold accounts of history, we are also gaining a better understanding of the world around us, but it is up to us to use our reading comprehension skills, analytical skills, and critical thinking skills to figure out what there is to know. You will explore this question throughout the course of this study and throughout your work on this project.

By completing this project, you will be able to show your knowledge of historical events, your comprehension of nonfiction reading skills, your application of the historical thought process, your ability to analyze the impact of nonfiction and historical texts on the present time period, and your ability to synthesize questions and relationships to past and present historical and current events.

CRITERIA

Students will create a digital portfolio that showcases their understanding of the following areas:

      • Summarization of the text (7.6i)
      • Historical knowledge of the time period within the text (USII)
          • Providing specific passages from the text to show inferences & conclusions made using explicit and implied textual evidence (7.6c)
      • Author's purpose and viewpoint of the text (7.6e & 7.6f))
      • Further Questioning of the Text and Current Events (7.9a)
      • Compare and contrast past to present (USII 1e)
          • Research chosen event to create a summary (7.9d)

Student clearly and thoroughly describes the main parts of the story in a detailed paragraph, graphic, or video.

      • Summarization of the text (7.6i)

Shows a thorough understanding of the author’s purpose. Shows a thorough understanding of how the author’s purpose affects the text. Includes at least 2 supporting details from the text.

      • Author's purpose and viewpoint of the text (7.6e & 7.6f))

Student demonstrates understanding of the historical time period discussed within the text, to include: dates, major historical events, important historical figures, significant locations (think WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, and HOW). You should include text evidence for this section as well (you can also use outside sources, so long as you credit them)

      • Historical knowledge of the time period within the text (USII)
          • Providing specific passages from the text to show inferences & conclusions made using explicit and implied textual evidence (7.6c)

Student connects past events in their reading to events of present day. Students use sources to show these connections. Student makes 2 connections that are backed by source evidence.

      • Compare and contrast past to present (USII 1e)
          • Research chosen event to create a summary (7.9d)

Student answers at least 1 Overarching Question and 1 Content specific question, and provides two additional self-developed questions regarding the text and how it applies to our world.

      • Further Questioning of the Text and Current Events (7.9a)

Product shows few, if any errors in standard written English that do not interfere with understanding.

***THESE TASKS WILL BE INDIVIDUALLY RELEASED EACH DAY AS AN ASSIGNMENT: I will release one day ahead for each task, that way if you finish the day's task early, you can work on the next one. When you finish your task for the day, "Turn it In" on Edmodo, that way all of your work will be saved, and then you can copy and paste it into your media product.

STANDARDS

Language Arts

7.6c) Make inferences and draw logical conclusions using explicit and implied textual evidence.

7.6e) Identify the source, viewpoint, and purpose of texts.

7.6i) Create an objective summary, including main idea and supporting details.

7.6k) Organize and synthesize information for use in written and other formats.

7.9a) Formulate and revise questions about research topic.

7.9b) Collect, organize, and synthesize information from multiple sources.

7.9d) Quote, summarize, and paraphrase information from primary and secondary sources using proper citations.

USII 1865 to the Present

1) The student will demonstrate skills for historical thinking, geographical analysis, economic decision making, and responsible citizenship by:

a) analyzing and interpreting artifacts and primary and secondary sources to understand events in United States history.

d) using evidence to draw conclusions and make generalizations.

e) comparing and contrasting historical, cultural, and political perspectives in United States history.

f) determining relationships with multiple causes or effects in United States history.

7) The student will apply social science skills to understand the major causes and effects of American involvement in World War II by

b) locating and describing the major events and turning points of the war in Europe and the Pacific.

9)The student will apply social science skills to understand of the key domestic and international issues during the second half of the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries by

a) examining the impact of the Civil Rights Movement, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the changing role of women on all Americans.