Controversial Issues
Research Project for 8th Grade Social
Studies
Introduction:
How do people form opinions
about controversial issues? Many people form their opinions without thoroughly
understanding all sides of the issue. Responsibility in a democracy comes from
being able to step into another’s shoes to see things from his/her point of
view. In order to write an informed essay, one must first research and analyze
all aspects of the issue before forming an opinion.
The Task:
·
You will be
working a small group to research a controversial issue, analyze the complexity
of it and create an unbiased presentation of the issue for the class. In this
presentation, you will inform the class on the issue so they can make informed
decisions.
·
After you have
presented the information to the class, you will write your own position paper
on the topic. This is where you will formulate and defend your point of
view.
The Issues:
·
Death
penalty/capital punishment
·
Same Sex Marriage
·
Stem cell
research
·
Gun control
·
Juvenile Justice
Resources:
·
You need a
minimum of 5 sources which will be cited in an annotated bibliography at the
end of your research paper.
·
Requirements for
sources:
o
2 must be online
data bases (see attached sheet)
o
2 print sources
o
1 web site
Skills:
·
You will be
learning new skills and reinforcing ones that you’ve practiced:
o
Citing and
annotating sources
o
Paraphrasing
o
Search skills
o
Note-taking
o
Collaborative
work
o
PowerPoint
ASSESSMENT
- Note check (see attached rubric): 30 points
- Peer/Self Assessment-Group (see attached
sheet)
- Rough Draft of Opinion Piece: 10 points
- Final draft:
90 points
- Power Point: 30 points
TIMELINE :
Week 1:
Tuesday 11/9: Blue/Gold
Class:
Overview of project, assign groups
Homework:
fill out K-W-L sheet, read preliminary article, and take notes
Graded note check Tuesday 11/16
Wednesday 11/10: Gold
Class: Meet
as a group to share information and K-W-L sheet Continue taking notes and
finding new sources
Homework: Read a new article and take notes. Graded note
check on 11/16.
Thursday-Friday: Veterans Day/professional Day
Week 2:
Monday 11/15: Blue/Gold
Class: Meet in the library to discuss data bases and
research
Homework: Read at least two of the remaining
articles in your packet and take notes. Graded note check tomorrow.
*Be
sure to paraphrase and only note new and important information and prepare to teach
your group on the information learned.
Tuesday 11/16: Blue/Gold
Class: Note-check today. Mini-lesson on paraphrasing and
annotation of sources, group collaboration, and research. Discuss preliminary
articles and share notes.
Homework: Read at least 2 articles found during class and
take notes.
Wednesday: 11/17 Gold sections
Class: Share information learned with your group.
Add to your notes. Research and divide responsibilities for homework
Homework: Read at least 2 articles found during class and take
notes. Due Friday.
Thursday 11/18:Blue Sections
Class: Share information learned with your group. Add to
your notes. Research and divide responsibilities for homework.
Homework: Read at least 2 articles found during class and take
notes. Due Friday.
Friday 11/19: TERM ENDS
Class: Mini-lesson on thesis statement development. Final Notes Assessed. Group Assessment sheet
completed, collaboration and research.
Homework: Draft a thesis statement and begin your outline. Finish
any articles found during class and take notes. Thesis statement and outline
due Tuesday.
Week 3
Monday 11/22: Blue/Gold
Class: Discuss
elements of a persuasive essay. Work on your PPT blueprint.
Homework: Read article on writing a persuasive Essay. Complete
thesis statement. Due Tuesday.
Tuesday 11/23:Blue/Gold
Class: Thesis and Outline are due today. Mini-lesson: writing an opinion.
Homework: TBA
Wednesday 11/19: Blue
sections
Class: Outline Due. Mini-lesson on Power Point
planning and design. Begin sketching P.P. with notes.
Homework: Read article on multi-media presentations. Write
Opinion piece. Rough Draft due Monday 11/24 or Tuesday 11/25.
Thursday: 11/20: Gold Sections
Class: Outline Due. Mini-lesson on Power Point
planning and design. Begin sketching P.P. with notes.
Homework: Read article on multi-media presentations. Write
Opinion piece. Rough Draft due Monday 11/24 or Tuesday 11/25.
Friday 11/21:
Class: Continue P.P. plan and design. Rehearse Presentation.
Homework: Continue writing Opinion.
Week 3:
Monday 11/24: Blue/Gold
Class: Rough Draft Due. Continue P.P. plan and design. Rehearse Presentation. Presentations due 12/3 and 12/5 .
Homework: Continue writing Opinion if necessary.
Tuesday 11/25:Blue/Gold
Class: Rough Draft Due. Continue P.P. plan and design. Rehearse Presentation.
Homework: Organize note cards for your presentation and
rehearse your slides.
Wednesday 11/26: Gold
Sections
Class: Tuning Protocol of a thesis
statement
No
Homework over Thanksgiving Break
Week 4:
Monday 11/29: Blue/Gold
Class: Work on PPT slides. Mini-lesson: How to make
a strong presentation.
Homework: Write your rough
draft. Due Friday.
Tuesday 11/30: Blue/Gold
Class: Work on PPT slides. Mini-lesson: Writing a
strong conclusion.
Homework: Continue to write
your rough draft. Due Friday.
Wednesday 12/1: Gold Sections
Class:
Dry run of your
presentations. Presentations on Friday.
Homework: Rough draft of
essay due Friday.
Thursday 12/2: Blue Sections
Class:
Dry run of your
presentations. Presentations on Friday.
Homework: Rough draft of
essay due Friday
Friday: 12/3 : Blue and Gold Sections
Class: Presentations start today
Homework: TBA
Week 5:
Monday 12/6-Friday 12/10:
Blue and Gold sections
Class: Presentations
continue
Homework: Final Draft of essay and annotated
bibliography due Thursday, December 9th.