World History Research Project

Write a 5 -7 page research paper using a minimum of 6 non-encyclopedia resources about a topic of significant importance and interest in World History, from prehistory to 1750. Use research approaches (reference & note cards, Internet searching & evaluation, etc.) and writing conventions (citations, lists of references, block quotes, standard spelling, grammar and usage) introduced and practiced in class. Then, present what you've learned to the class in a 3-5 minute presentation.

Date

Assignment (See calendar version of due dates)

Points

4/26

Topic
Turn in a notecard with your chosen topic on one side, and an explanation of what you anticipate learning about it, what you already know about it, or why you chose it, on the other side.
**If you later change your topic, you must repeat this assignment, and any other assignments up to that point**

10 pts /

5/3
Working List of References
Find out if there are enough resources for you to complete your research. Create a list of at least 10 resources you could use in your research. Lists should be word processed and saved, and completed using correct formats.
10 pts /

5/5

Notecard Checkpoint I
Turn in at least 10 properly formatted notecards (Quotation, Paraphrase, and/or Summary) about your topic.

10 pts /

5/7

Essential Questions
Create a list of questions that you hope to answer in your research. Organize them according to specific, factual questions, and larger, overarching questions that will drive your final paper forward. (See a sample)

10 pts /

5/10

Working Thesis
Now that you've gathered some information about your topic, what do you think you'll focus on in your paper. Write a thesis card which, on one side, explains in one sentence what you think you'll set out to prove in your paper. On the other side, give a few reasons why you've formed the thesis you have. ** Remember: this is a working thesis. It's bound to change as you continue your research.

10 pts/

5/14
Notecard Checkpoint II
Turn in a second set of 10 notecards (minimum) properly formatted, about your topic. Then, KEEP RESEARCHING. You are required to turn in a total of 20 notecards in your 2 notecard checks, but that is NOT ENOUGH to complete your report.
10 pts/

5/18

Working Outline
The outline is your blueprint to the paper you eventually write. Focus on how the information you've been collecting can be organized for your writing. Formal outline examples will be provided.

10 pts /

5/21
Draft 1 (3 pages minimum)
This is a "get your feet wet" assignment. Students often find the beginnings of papers to be the hardest, so don't worry about it and just get writing. Turn in at least 3 pages (double-spaced, typed) where you experiment with your topic, your thesis and the research you've done so far. If it's not great, at least it's a beginning.

10 pts /

5/28

Rough Draft (full paper)
The final draft is less than a week away, and you will probably need a little more information, but not much. You should have enough to write a rough draft including introduction, body, conclusion, citation, and list of references. Get these in on time, not only so you get full credit, but so you can get timely feedback before the final draft is due. (Evaluation form)

20 pts /

6/7

Final Draft
What you've been waiting for. The final draft should demonstrate your best skills as a researcher and writer, and should clearly state, and then prove, your thesis. Citations and references should follow standards practiced in class, and all notecards should accompany the final draft.

100 pts /

6/8-6/10

Research Presentation
Make a 3-5 minute oral presentation to the class explaining what you've learned in your research. Visual aides and/or presentation technologies will help you explain your topic and what you've learned about it. Dates will be assigned randomly from among all students in the class.

50 pts

Whenever you need them

RESEARCH CONFERENCES
(OPTIONAL) Out of class meetings about your research; schedule them at lunch, after school, or some other time when we can meet and discuss your work. (25 points, maximum)

Extra

???? Pts.

Total

250 pts

Links to examples, handouts, tips, and procedures to help you complete each step can be found at:

http://schools.gorge.net/whitesalmon/chs/staff/knowles/research/researchpaper.htm