Research Papers

Three research papers will be completed in science class this year. Given the fact that AIMS writing and benchmark writing occur in two class periods only, I will give appropriate amounts of time for writing following each mini-lesson given for the process. If a student fails to complete the work in the time given in class, the student will need to complete the work at home. I begin the year by giving students two sources for their work, but in Q3, I give no sources for their work. With each research paper, I grade according to experience, growth, and lessons taught. For instance, the first time a student completes a bibliography, I might offer advice, but not take many points on substandard work. However, I would expect the next bibliography be better, and therefore, I will grade accordingly. The purpose is growth over time, not perfection upon entering.

 

Advanced JS Model

This advanced organizer is an apporved model to aide you in writing your paper.

  Checking the Covert Operations during R&E

This checklist helps you to improve the elements of your paper that we rarely think about. It's worth a million bucks.

Citation Machine

The citation machine will help you correctly cite the source you have. You input information, and out comes your citation.

How to Cite Sources

This website explains citations, shows examples, and provides important links to more information.

Annotated Bibliography

The above resource shows an example of how to annotate your bibliography. Scroll down to see the MLA example.

Using quotes

The above link helps you to see how to quote a person's words correctly and words to use.

 

Topic #1: Water Cycle - Explain the complexities and relationships of the water cycle in our weather patterns.

Due: October 4th (Appears on Q2 grades)

Source 1 from Ms. Conant: Where the Wild Wind Blows from the Weather and Water text book.

Source 2 from Ms. Conant: Weather Factors from the Prentice Hall Weather text book.

Shared resources can be added to the Open Forum

 

Final Paper Example with Title Page and Bibliography

Requirements and grading page for research paper

The above PDF are the grading requirements with a few recipes for citing sources on a bibliography.

All students were given specific feedback on an individual basis. Always review notes given on report(s) and set goals for yourself.

 

Define weather in the opening paragraph and include the atmospheric layer in which almost all weather occurs.

  • Tell of the importance of air pressure in the wind patterns and what causes air to be more and less dense.
  • You must explain how solar energy is involved in the evaporation process of the water cycle.
  • Include a closing paragraph that reiterates the complexity of the water cycle and the importance of each element.

 

Top three items most missed by students entering the 6th grade

  • Poor opening and closing paragraphs
  • Lack of bibliography or lack of citing the sources correctly or at all.
  • Lack of specific graphic feature that is placed appropriately or at all.

 

 

Topic # 2: Cell theory - Compare and contrast plant and animal cells.

Due: February 27th

Overview of Essay (Need for Week 1)

Rubric Requirements (MUST be turned in with paper)

 

Sources:

Diversity of Life. Berkley: Delta Education, 2003. Print.

"Cell Structure and Function." Cells: The Building Blocks of Life: 43-56. Textbook.

 

Sources provided by other students:

Aly - Comparing Plant and Animal Cells  

Aly - Cells Alive

Victoria - Comparing Cells with Hyperlinks

 

Topic #3: Scientist - Research a highly respected world-renowned scientist and explain his/her major contributions to the global population.

Due: May 18

Rubric for Essay or Poster Board

NO sources will be provided by the teacher given the fact that every student will choose their own scientist to research.

You may share sources on the discussion board if you find websites with multiple scientists.

You may team up with a friend to work on one scientist, but each student must provide their own report.

Here are a few links that can help you decide which scientist you might like to study.

The above websites are just a jumping board to get you looking. These websites are not an exhaustive list of scientists. Use your interests to your advantage. For example, if you love basketball, you may want to research the scientist behind the modern day basketball. Yes, there are scientists that create the right ball. If you're interested in how the analog clock switched to digital, start researching to find out who was responsible. What about rubber cement? Who made that? You see my point.

The following information is expected when some reads informational text about a scientist:

  • First, middle and last name of your scientist
  • Picture of your scientist
  • His or her birthday and birth place
  • A thorough description of why he/she is famous
  • Where he/she conducted his/her work and type of work
  • Date of death or include if scientist is still living and where
  • His/her accomplishments and awards
  • A quote by the scientist
  • A picture of the technological/medical advancement
  • Where the person went to college
  • If the scientist held any other jobs or careers
  • Family information
  • What was happening in history that made their discovery/advancement important
  • Where can your audience find more information about the scientist (museum, Internet, books, trade magazines, etc.)
  • Plus, your work must be legible, presented without conventions errors, complete in requirements, and on time.