ASSIGNMENT

My Perspectives Grade 7 Unit 4

Research (P. 419)

Work in your group to research and write a short research paper on one of the following topics:

• eagle restoration and tracking programs in other states
• restoration and tracking programs for other endangered species
• the origins and history of the Endangered Species Act

In your paper, highlight the relationship between the topic you chose to research and the photo gallery, “Eagle Tracking at Follensby Pond.”

Formulate a Research Question Work with your group to formulate a research question that will guide your research process. An effective research question should be specific and manageable, and the purpose of your paper will be to answer this question. If you do not limit the scope of your research question, you will find it difficult to address the question fully. Consider the following examples:

Broad Research Question: How do people affect the environment?

Specific Research Question: How does coal mining affect rivers and streams?

Organize Your Information Take notes from each research source to answer your research question. Include only information that is meaningfully related to your topic. Use your notes to organize an outline for your research paper. Consider the following methods of organization:

• chronological order: sequencing information about events in the order in which they occur
• comparison and contrast: analyzing and explaining the similarities and differences between two or more related subjects
• cause and effect: analyzing and explaining reasons or results for something that happens

Use a chart such as the one shown to organize information for your research paper.