Research Paper Fun

Introduction

The idea of the lesson came from a group of teachers wanting to make the process of writing a research paper more fun and interesting.  Students usually dread writing a research paper because it involves a lot of work and effort, but with this lesson students can become more involved in their research and thus creating a connection to the research. It brings about an interest that helps the students really enjoy and create great research papers.

In the lesson students will be put into groups to research a topic of interest in the school or the community.  The lesson is designed to help students gather information more personally in order to become better researchers and better writers.  The students will choose a topic that is relevant to their school or community and then write a research paper on that topic.  They will also be responsible for distributing a text to the public on their research.  Distributing the text will make the research project more real to the students, and give the students a sense of purpose.


Learners

This lesson is designed for and 11th grade English Class but can easily be implemented into other grades and classes, such as Social Studies or Science classes.  Research projects are relevant and can be associated with those subjects easily.

Students should have basic knowledge of how to write a research paper.  They should also know how to paraphrase and site information they find while researching in order not to plagiarize the information they find and use.  

Curriculum Standards

English Standards Addressed

Competency Goal 2 The Learner will inform an audience by using a variety of media to research and explain insights into language and culture.

2.01 Research and analyze ideas, events, and/or movements related to United States culture by:

    * organizing information to create structure for purpose, audience, and context.
    * excluding extraneous information.
    * providing accurate documentation.

Competency Goal 3 The learner will examine argumentation and develop informed opinions.

3.01 Use language persuasively in addressing a particular issue by:  

    * finding and interpreting information effectively.
    * recognizing propaganda as a purposeful technique.
    * establishing and defending a point of view.
    * responded respectfully to viewpoints and biases.

3.02 Select an issue or theme and take a stance on that issue by:

    * reflecting the viewpoint(s) of Americans of different times and places.
    * showing sensitivity or empathy for the culture represented.
    * supporting the argument with specific reasons.

Competency Goal 4 The learner will critically analyze text to gain meaning, develop thematic connections, and synthesize ideas.

4.01 Interpret meaning for an audience by:

    * analyzing stylistic features such as word choice and links between sense and sound.
    * identifying ambiguity, contradiction, irony, parody, and satire.


Competency Goal 6 The learner will apply conventions of grammar and language usage.

6.01 Demonstrate an understanding of the conventions of language by:

    * using vocabulary strategies such as context clues, resources, and structural analysis (roots, prefixes, etc.) to determine meaning of words and phrases.
    * revising writing to enhance voice and style, sentence variety, subtlety of meaning, and tone in considerations of questions being addressed, purpose, audience, and genres.
    * analyzing the power of standard usage over nonstandard usage in formal settings such a job interviews, academic, environment, or public speaking events.

 

 Variations

This project takes time. It could take longer than six weeks, or it could take less time. The teacher should be willing to give extra time if need be.  If there other ways that the students can distribute the information they research than that can be done.  If there are more websites that might work with this project, feel free to add.

Add or take away!  It is up to the discretion of the teacher!

 


Resources Needed

Resources for the project:

    * E-mail accounts for all students
    * Specific reference material in the classroom or school library
    * Video or audio materials for creating documentaries
    * Lab/Computer access time

 Credits & References
Thanks to "Teaching the Research Paper for Local Action" by Carlin Borsheim and Robert Petrone for many helpful ideas on how to conduct interactive research.