8TH GRADE RESEARCH PROJECT

Name: ______

TABLE OF CONTENTS

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1a: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claim(s), and organize the reasons and evidence logically

W1b: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text

TIME LOG

8th Grade Research Project

Name: ______

Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature
Date: / Sources Used
1.
2.
3. / Information Classification / Usefulness
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5
1-2-3-4-5 / Time Allocated / Parent Signature

Language Arts Department

8th Grade

Mrs. Schrager’s Class

Dear Parents:

Starting on Wednesday, February 15, your son or daughter will be working on a Research Paper. It is our objective as the Language Arts Department that this project will introduce our students to the correct process for writing a research paper as well as to increase their reading of nonfiction materials. We will spend one week in the library and one week in the computer lab practicing research strategies, analyzing argumentative writing, and applying the steps of the writing process.

Each student will choose a topic (which he/she is interested in) from the “Topics to Consider” and will write a thesis statement (purpose for writing the paper). I will provide each student witha calendar, stating when items such as notes, thesis statement, sources (Citations Worksheet), and the final copy are due. Please ask your son/daughter to show you all this information.

It is extremely important that you sign the “Topics to Consider” sheet as well as the “Graded Activities/Requirements for Research Paper” sheet. Finally, I am asking that you sign your name to the “Time Log Sheet for 8th Grade Research Project” every night, so that I know that your child is doing at least 30 minutes of research as homework for this very worthwhile project.

Thank you for your continued support in our educational endeavors!

Mrs. Schrager

Parent Signature ______

RESEARCH PAPER GRADING RUBRIC

8th Grade Research Paper Rubric
Scoring Criteria / Exemplary / Proficient / Emerging / Minimal
Historiography 10 points / The historiography presents clear background information that supports presentation of the issues debated. / The historiography presents background information that supports presentation of the issues debated. / The historiography presents some background information that supports presentation of the issues debated. / The historiography presents minimal background information that supports presentation of the issues debated.
Claim
20 points / The claim presents a convincing position on a debatable issue, thoroughly supports the claim with accurate research, and effectively persuades the reader with substantial support and compelling commentary. / The claim presents a position on a debatable issue, is supported by appropriate research, and effectively persuades the reader with support and commentary. / The claim presents a position on a debatable issue, that is not supported by appropriate research, and does not effectively
persuades the reader with support and commentary. / The claim does not present a clear position on an issue and/or presents an issue that is not debatable. The research, support, and commentary are missing and/or
inappropriate.
Counterclaim 15 points / The counter-claim
presents a convincing
position on a debatable
issue, thoroughly supports
the claim with accurate
research, and effectively
persuades the reader with
substantial support and
compelling commentary. / The counter-claim
presents a position on
a debatable issue, is
supported by appropriate
research, and effectively
persuades the reader with
support and commentary. / The counter-claim
presents a position on
a debatable issue, that is not supported by appropriate research, and does not effectively persuades the reader with support and commentary. / The counter-claim
does not present a clear
position on an issue and/or presents an issue that is not debatable. The research, support, and commentary are missing and/or inappropriate.
Organization 15 points / The essay is coherent and
exceptionally well written.
It includes an introduction
with an effective hook, a
thesis that clearly states
the position on the issue,
persuasive body paragraphs
that provide extensive
support, and a compelling conclusion. / The essay is focused and well written. It includes an
introduction with a strong
hook and thesis, body
paragraphs that support
the thesis, and an effective conclusion. / The essay is focused and shows purpose. It includes an introduction but lacks either a strong hook and thesis, body paragraphs that support the thesis, or an effective conclusion. / The essay is unfocused and difficult to follow. Some or all of the following are missing: an introduction, a clear thesis, supportive body paragraphs, and/or an effective conclusion.
Use of Language
10 points / The writer deliberately uses
persuasive language and
appeals for a particular audience and purpose. / The writer uses persuasive language and appeals for a particular audience and purpose. / The writer uses some persuasive language but has poor correlation to a particular audience and purpose. / The writer attempts to use
persuasive language and/or appeals for a particular audience and purpose, but the attempt may be forced, vague, and/or repetitive.
Works Cited
10 points / All sources are cited using
proper format within the
body of the text and in the
Works Cited page.
Annotation is thorough and
thoughtful. / Although all sources are
cited using proper format
format within the body
of the text and in the
Works Cited Page. Minor errors may exist.
Annotations are clear and detailed. / Some sources are not cited
and/or cited inaccurately
either within the body of the text or in the Works Cited page. Significant errors in format may exist; annotations may be unclear or missing / Most sources are not cited
and/or are cited inaccurately either within the body of the text or in the Works Cited Page. Significant errors in format
may exist; annotations maybe unclear or missing
Evidence of Writing Process
10 points / There is extensive evidence
that the essay reflects the
various stages of the writing
process. / There is evidence that the
essay reflects the various
stages of the writing process. / There is little evidence that the essay has
undergone stages of the
writing process. / There is no evidence that the essay has undergone stages of the writing process.
Grammar
Conventions- 10 points / 1-3 errors / 4-6 errors / 7-9 errors / 10 or more errors
Point Totals
Final Grade:

Name: ______Block: ______Date: ______

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

TOPICS TO CONSIDER

Parent Signature: ______

  1. ALCOHOL—TOBACCO – DRUGS
  • Legal age for drinking
  • Smoking in public places
  • Legalization of marijuana
  1. ANIMAL RIGHTS
  • Medical experimentation
  1. CIVIL LIBERTIES
  • **Affirmative action
  • Racial profiling
  • **DNA testing of suspects
  • **Patriot Act: the right of the individual vs. suspicions of terrorism
  • School issues: locker searches, uniforms, dress code, pledging the flag, school prayer, bullying
  1. CRIME & CRIMINALS
  • Gun control
  • Death penalty/Capital punishment
  • Juvenile offenders
  1. IMMIGRATION
  • **Impact on U.S. economy
  • English as official language of U.S.
  1. SCIENCE – TECHNOLOGY
  • **Cloning
  • Genetically engineered food
  • **Stem cell research
  • Space exploration
  • Artificial intelligence
  1. MEDICAL
  • **Mandatory vaccinations
  • Cosmetic surgery for teens
  • Teen dieting
  • **Organ transplants
  • **Euthanasia
  • **Alternative medicine
  1. CENSORSHIP OF THE MEDIA
  • **Book banning
  • Violence in television and movies
  • Music lyrics & Music videos (i.e. MTV)
  • Internet
  1. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
  • Global warming
  1. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
  • **Alternative energy sources (Nuclear, Solar, Wind, etc.)
  1. SPORTS
  • Steroid use/Random drug testing of athletes
  • Violence
  • Salary cap
  • Gender equity
  1. SOCIETAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • **Government or private responsibility towards the homeless problem in America
  • **U.S. responsibility to protect human rights throughout the world
  1. MISCELLANEOUS
  • **Evolution vs. creationism
  • Use of the atomic bomb
  • Nuclear weapons

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1a: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claim(s), and organize the reasons and evidence logically

W1c: Use words, phrases and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), counterclaim(s), reasons, and evidence

PRO/CON QUESTIONSWITH ISSUES TO EXPLORE

  1. ALCOHOL—TOBACCO—DRUGS

Should the legal age for drinking be 18 or 21 years old?

  • Parent/Guardian involvement
  • Drunk driving
  • Abuse of alcohol at colleges

Should smoking be banned in public places?

  • Health effects of second-hand smoke
  • Rights of the smoker
  • Economic effects

Should marijuana be legalized in the US?

  • Medical uses of marijuana
  • Impact on crime
  • Privacy rights
  1. ANIMAL RIGHTS

Should animals be used for medical experimentation?

  • Rights of animals
  • Health benefits to humans
  • Alternatives to animal testing
  1. CIVIL LIBERTIES

**Should affirmative action continue to exist in the United States?

  • College admissions
  • Hiring in the workplace
  • Discrimination

Should law enforcement agencies be allowed to practice racial profiling?

  • Constitutional rights
  • Discrimination
  • Public safety

**Should DNA testingof criminal suspects be allowed?

  • Accuracy of testing
  • Public safety
  • Privacy rights of the suspect

Should prayer be allowed in public schools? (see other school issues)

  • Constitutional issues
  • Individual rights
  • Diversity

Should public schools be able to impose a dress code on students? (see other school issues)

  • Economic effect on families
  • Impact on student behavior and academic performance
  • Freedom of expression

**Does the threat of terrorism give the government the authority to restrict Constitutional rights of the individual?

  • Constitutional rights/Patriot Act
  • Public safety
  • Discrimination/Profiling
  1. CRIME & CRIMINALS

Is gun control unconstitutional?

  • Individual right to bear arms
  • Impact on crime rate and school shootings
  • Types of weapons

Should the death penalty be allowed in the US?

  • Impact on crime rate
  • Prisoner rehabilitation
  • Racism

Should juvenile offenders be tried as adults?

  • Death penalty
  • Rehabilitation as an alternative
  • Effect of imprisonment with adults
  1. IMMIGRATION

**Does illegal immigration impact the United States economy?

  • Impact on employment
  • Healthcare and public education of immigrant children
  • Cost of border protection

Should English be the official language of the United States?

  • Advantages of bilingual education
  • Diversity
  • Communication
  1. SCIENCE—TECHNOLOGY

**Should cloning be allowed in the US?

  • Medical uses
  • Animal cloning
  • Ethics

Should genetically engineered food be allowed in the United States?

  • Health risks
  • Environmental impact
  • World hunger

**Should stem cell research be allowed in the United States?

  • Medical applications
  • Ethics
  • Alternatives

Should the federal government spend money on space exploration?

  • More pressing needs
  • Advances in science, medicine, and technology
  • Space shuttle accidents

Will advances in artificial intelligence benefit society?

  • Impact on employment
  • Uses for artificial intelligence (i.e. medical, entertainment, etc.)
  • Human vs. machine intelligence
  1. MEDICAL

**Should public schools be allowed to require vaccinations as a condition for admission to school?

  • Safety of vaccines
  • Right of the parent/guardian to decide
  • Cultural/Religious considerations

Should teens be allowed to have cosmetic surgery for reasons not related to injury or illness?

  • Self-esteem
  • Role of the parent/guardian
  • Psychological counseling

Is teen dieting healthy?

  • Body image/Media influence
  • Eating disorders
  • Nutrition

**Should an individual be allowed to sell his/her organs for transplantation?

  • Limited supply vs. High demand
  • Ethical/Health concerns
  • Ability to pay for organs

**Should euthanasia be legal in the US?

  • Rights of the patient
  • Religious/Cultural issues
  • Who decides?

**Is alternative medicine as effective as traditional medicine?

  • Safety regulations/Licensing
  • Uses throughout history
  • Health effects
  1. CENSORSHIP OF THE MEDIA

**Do public libraries and public schools have the right to ban books?

  • Freedom of speech
  • Age appropriateness
  • Importance of discussing “controversial” ideas

Does violence in television and movies cause violent behavior in society?

  • Parental supervision
  • Age guidelines
  • Freedom of speech

Do music lyrics and music videos have a negative impact on young adults?

  • Stereotyping
  • Warning labels
  • Violence

Do the benefits of the Internet outweigh the problems?

  • Safety/Security
  • Regulation
  • Communication
  1. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Does global warming threaten life on Earth?

  • Climate/Weather
  • Pollution
  • Health of humans and animals
  1. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

**Should alternative energy sources be developed to meet future needs?

  • Cost effectiveness
  • Environmental effects
  • Supply & Demand
  1. SPORTS

Should athletes be subject to regular drug testing for steroids and other banned substances?

  • Abuse of steroids
  • Individual privacy rights
  • Role models

Should there be a criminal penalty for violence in professional sports?

  • Role models
  • Fans
  • Role of the media

Does money corrupt sports?

  • Salary cap
  • College athletes: paid or not paid?
  • Gambling

Should males and females have equal opportunities in sports?

  • Salary
  • Discrimination
  • Anatomical differences
  1. SOCIETAL RESPONSBILITIES

**Should the homeless problem in America be eliminated?

  • Responsibility: government vs. private
  • Reasons why?
  • Children and families

**Does the US government have the responsibility to protect human rights around the world?

  • Military intervention
  • History
  • United Nations
  1. MISCELLANEOUS

**Should public schools teach evolution and/orcreationism?

  • Scientific evidence
  • Religious beliefs
  • Separation of church and state

Was the use of the atomic bomb by the United States justified in World War II?

  • Death toll
  • Military strategy
  • Consequences

Should the worldwide production and use of nuclear weapons be banned?

  • Alternatives
  • Unstable governments currently in control
  • Environmental impact

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1a: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claim(s), and organize the reasons and evidence logically

W1b: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text

RESEARCH PLANNING

EXAMPLE TOPIC
(write the definition) / SEARCH TERMS (use the index)
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.) / WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
(write three questions)
1.)
2.)
3.) / WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
(write one question)
TOPIC #1
(write the definition) / SEARCH TERMS (use the index)
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.) / WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
(write three questions)
1.)
2.)
3.) / WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
(write one question)
TOPIC #2
(write the definition) / SEARCH TERMS (use the index)
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.) / WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?
(write three questions)
1.)
2.)
3.) / WHAT IS THE ISSUE?
(write one question)

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1a: Introduce claim(s), acknowledge and distinguish the claim(s) from alternate or opposing claim(s), and organize the reasons and evidence logically

W1b: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text

DECIDING YOUR ISSUE

Graphic Organizer

Issue: ______

Issue: ______

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1b: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text

RESOURCES & WORKS CITED INFORMATION

BOOKS

  • 300s Social Issues
  • 600s Health & Technology
  • Public Library

______

PRINT REFERENCE/ENCYCLOPEDIAS

  • World Book
  • Encyclopedia Americana
  • Various subject encyclopedias (health, science, crime, environmental, etc.)

______

PRINT MAGAZINES/ NEWSPAPERS

  • Charlotte Observer
  • Newsweek, Discover, Popular Science,

Sports Illustrated, National Geographic

  • Folders in media center with various articles.

______

WEBSITES

  • Multnomah County Library: Social Issues
  • ProCon.org
  • Santa Ana College: Controversial Topics
  • Internet Public Library
  • Factmonster
  • Clusty

______

ONLINE REFERENCE/ ENCYCLOPEDIAS

  • NC WISEOWL:
  • Click on “Grolier Online” and type in search term
  • Click on “Student Research” and choose “Books & Encyclopedias”
  • Click on “Junior Reference” and click on “Reference” under Basic Search

______

ONLINE MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS

  • NCWISEOWL:
  • Click on “Newspapers” and enter search term
  • Click on “Student Research,” choose “Magazines” & “Newspapers,” and enter search term
  • Click on “InfoTrac Junior” and type in search terms

INTERNET PUBLIC LIBRARY: Click on “Newspapers & Magazines”

W1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence

W1b: Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text

TOP OF NOTEBOOK PAGE

Directions: You will be taking notes in your notebook. Use a clean page for each new source that you use to take notes. Here is the Works Cited information that you need to write at the top of the page.

If you are taking notes from a book, you will need to write down:

Author(s):

Title:

City of publication:

State of publication:

Publisher:

Year of publication:

Print Encyclopedia

Author(s) of article or editor:

Title of article:

Name of encyclopedia:

Year of publication:

Print Newspaper