Middle School Research Papers in 10 Easy Steps

Middle School Research Paper in 10 easy steps...

Step 1: Generate a research question.  In our case we used topics from previous Word Generation assignments.

Step 2: Turn the question into a thesis.  In our case we took the topic sentence of the Word Generation argumentative paragraph and used that.

Step 3: Get 20 sources.  Find 10 with a search engine like Google or Bing, and another 10 from an aggregated database like EBSCO. Right click and save all as PDF's. Keep everything that looks good, but do not read or thoroughly evaluate...yet.

Step 4: Sort the sources for "keepers". Now is the time to evaluate the sources and keep what can work.

Step 5: Use Noodletools, Easybib, or some other tool.  I recommend Noodletools...as a complete tool for creating accurate citations, electronic notecards, outlining and exporting all that to a word processor, I've never seen a better one.

Step 6: Begin reading your "keepers" for supporting details.  Collect those on/in notecards.  Include a citation on/in each card. Use the ctrl+F tool to search for key words...if there are a bunch, the source is probably worth your review.

Step 7: Create the body paragraphs---1 at a time--using the TS, MP, E, E, MP, E, E format.

Step 8: Teach/learn how to write an introduction using the topic sentences (TS) from each body paragraph.

Step 9: Teach/learn how to write a conclusion using the major points from each body paragraph.

Step 10: Use OWL Perdue's MLA resource to format.

Summative assessment: A Long Walk to Water

Linda Sue Park's A Long Walk to Water

I was using the Engage NY lesson plans but felt that there was too much repetition and not enough 21st Century application, so my cooperating teacher and I designed a five part problem based learning activity to act as a summative assessment for the students' learning so far this year.

Because we are privileged to be teaching in a one to one environment, our students learn to use technology to create and demonstrate learning. This is an expectation throughout the year, when the tools are introduced, they are required, later students have the choice about which tools they want to use to complete their projects/demonstrate their learning.

We posted these assignments on our Google Classroom page, I sent them updates through Remind.com, and students will submit their portfolios through Classroom.

Here's what they received from us:

For your final project you will be creating a mini-portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of the book A Long Walk to Water.  

1. Letter to the Author - Linda Sue Park

• Introduce yourself to the author and then write a well developed paragraph about why you liked the book.  Please give two specific examples (use quotation marks) to support your thinking
• Ask the author a question - this can be about either her writing process or be about things you were wondering as you read the book.

2. Make a map - Mark and label six Aha Moments or Tough Questions Salva experienced. They must be spaced along his journey.

• You may either use National Geographic Map Maker or import the map below into Microsoft Office Paint
• You must give the signpost and then answer the question that goes with it (EX for an Aha Moment you must answer the question of how this changed things and for a Tough Question what it made you wonder about)

http://mapmaker.education.nationalgeographic.com/?ar_a=1&b=1&ls=000000000000

3. Write an argumentative paragraph to provide support (from two sources--like the movie clips we shared with you) for the need for clean water.

4. Illustrate a section and also find a theme song for Salva or Naya. Please explain why the lyrics are perfect for him or her and how the music goes with the mood and tone of the book. Be prepared to present this to the class. Use Google Slides or Prezi to create your presentation.