HISTORICAL RESEARCH PAPER
*THE FINAL DRAFT WILL BE DUE ON MAY 7, 2015.*
During the course of this unit, we will read four historical fiction novels from various time periods throughout history. As a result of our novel study, you will be required to write a research paper regarding the time period of your novel. The topics for each novel are below:
1st Period: The Witch from Blackbird Pond
Compare/Contrast
Research the Puritan and Quaker religions as they were practiced in colonial times. Make a chart comparing and contrasting each religion's views on such issues as worship services, sin, education, freedom, holidays, children, and any other issue you would like to include.
Salem Witch Trials
Salem Witch Trials (Recount basic story line of the trials): The key figures, what began the trials, treatment of the convicted, when did the trials begin and end, what caused them to end, how did it affect the people in Salem, etc…
Colonial New England
Research the daily life of those who lived in colonial New England.
2nd Period: The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963
Researching Important Historical Figures
John F. Kennedy was president during 1963. What type of President was he, and was he an effective president? What issues did he face during his presidency, especially during 1963? How did he impact the Civil Rights Movement?
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X were key players in the Civil Rights Movement. Compare and contrast their philosophies in regards to desegregation, equal rights, African Americans right to vote, etc….
History
Students may conduct research on what the United States, particularly the South, was like during the 1960’s, especially 1963. They may discuss the culture, television shows, latest fashions, movies, music, the cost of living, etc….
The bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist is just one of the many scars left behind from the Civil Rights Movement. Research the events leading up to the bombing of the church. Who were the key players, and why was that church targeted? When and where did it happen? Who did this bombing affect, and what impact did this disaster have on the community and the Civil Rights Movement?
5th Period: The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Research the resistance to the Nazi Regime – in Germany and in Europe
Have students research the resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Regime within Germany and in the rest of Europe.
History – The early stages of persecution during the years 1933 to 1939
Students may conduct research on what the early persecution of the Jews was like before they began to be rounded up and placed in concentration camps.
6th Period: The House of Dies Drear
The Underground Railroad
Imagine that you are a slave in the 1800s, and you wish to escape from North Carolina to Canada using the Underground Railroad. Using the information from the novel as well as outside research about the Underground Railroad, plan your escape. What would you need to take with you? How would you get in touch with “conductors” on the Underground Railroad? How would you make your escape? Whom would you trust to help you? What route would you take? Trace your planned route on a map.
Elijah Anderson
Conduct research on Elijah Anderson, the “Superintendent of the Underground Railroad”, and his overall background. Who was he? Where was he from? How did he become part of the Underground Railroad, and what roles did he play in leading slaves to freedom?
Abolitionist Movement
What was the Abolitionist Movement, and who were the key players, and what were their contributions? What were the goals of the Abolitionist Movement, and how did this movement impact slavery and the political tensions leading up to the Civil War?
For this research paper you will be REQUIRED to:
- Take notes(YOU WILL NEED NOTE CARDS FOR THIS!)
- Cite sources (within the text) & create a Works Cited Page
- Create an outline
- Write and revise a rough draft (peer edits)
- Type a final draft
Paper Requirements
- 2-3 pages in length
- MLA (citation) format
- Cite 2-3 sources per page
- Include a Works Cited page
- Compile information from 3 LEGITIMATE sources
*THE FINAL DRAFT WILL BE DUE ON MAY 7, 2015.*
*The following days are designated as work days (We will have access to the laptop cart):
Historical Research: April 22, 24, & 29, as well as, May 1, 4, & 5
*THIS PAPER WILL BE GRADED USING A RUBRIC, AND IT WILL BE COUNTED AS A TEST/PROJECT GRADE!