Annotated Bibliography Research Project ~ Mrs. Minich 9th Lit/ Comp
- Choose one of the topics below to explore using databases found on Cobb Digital Library.
- Definitely choose a topic you’re interested in, but remember, you’re conducting
OBJECTIVE (non-biased) research on your topic. You’re exploring it, not offering
personal opinions.
- To access the databases: Go to cobb.macinvia.com
- Choose Lassiter H.S. in the first drop down menu
- Enter your student number (username)
- Enter “read” (password)
- Click whichever category best suits your topic (Science, Social Studies, etc.), then choose a
database within that category that might work for your topic.
- That category may not work; you may not find what you need, in which case, search
another database (Student Research Center is a really good one for any topic).
- Once you’ve found a REALLY RELEVANT article on your topic, open it, make sure it
give you the full text (not just the abstract at the top) and the citation information.
- Check the number of pages before you print (check with me before you print anything over
8 pages).
- After you print, go ahead and begin reading/ annolighting your article (finish tonight for
homework – I’ll check this for a grade at the beginning of class tomorrow)
- After you do that, you’re ready to create a one-source annotated bibliography for your
article (just like we did with the “Shark” article, only this time we’re typing it).
- Some article give you the full text citation at the bottom already in MLA format; others
don’t. If your article doesn’t give you that, simply go to this website and plug in all of the
citation info from your article (you can copy and paste):
o http://www.citationmachine.net/mla/cite-a-journal/manual
- Make sure to have a flash drive or access to your email over the next few days so you can
save your work!
- Final copy due Tuesday, October 28th.
Topics for Research:
1. Airport security
Should the government use invasive pat-downs and body scans to ensure passenger safety or are there better methods?
2. Animal rights
Should it be illegal to use animals for sports and entertainment?
3. Arming pilots
Good idea?
4. Art
A few years ago, an artist was criticized for depicting the Virgin Mary with elephant dung. When is art not really art?
5. Beauty contests
Do they serve any purpose in society?
6. Bullying laws
Have we taken this too far or is it important that we attempt to stop the act of bullying?
7. Censorship
Should parents censor textbooks and other literature for children in schools?
8. Cheap labor
U.S. companies that move factories to undeveloped nations barely pay employees enough to live on. Is it unethical to pay
cheap wages or are companies doing those workers a favor?
9. Child soldiers
Why and how children are used for war
10. Climate change
Is global warming a hoax? Is it being exaggerated?
11. College athletics
Should college athletes be paid?
12. Cyber crime
What are the latest ways to steal identity and money? Are the criminals way ahead of the victims or do we have proper
protocols in place?
13. Ebola – Um…should we be nervous? What’s the latest information we should know to stay informed? Should we
seal borders from West Africa?
14. Fast food
Are we taking it too far by blaming fast food restaurants for obesity? When is it individual responsibility and when is it
appropriate to place blame?
15. Felons and voting
Should convicted felons have the right to vote?
16. Internet and children
Are children smarter (or more socialized) because of the Internet? Or is it ultimately damaging?
17. Juvenile offenders
Should juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults?
18. Media
Does the media, both print and broadcast, report fairly? Does it ever cross the line between reporting the news and
creating the news?
19. Middle East / ISIS
Why so many conflicts? Are there solutions?
20. Moms
Should stay-at-home moms get a salary from the government?
21. Nonverbal communication
How do men and women communicate differently using body language, and why does it matter (in dating, the workplace,
social circles)?
22. Obesity and weight loss
Should thin people have to pay Medicare and other health costs for the health problems of obese people? Should obese
people have higher premiums?
23. Organ sale
Should we legalize the sale of human organs?
24. Overpopulation
What would happen globally if the demand for natural resources is greater than the supply?
25. Paparazzi
What, if any, limitations should be applied to the paparazzi?
26. Parents
Should parents be held responsible when their children break laws?
27. Privacy - Government
Should the government be allowed to wire tap without permission?
28. Privacy - Medical
What medical information should be confidential? Who, if anybody, should have access to medical records?
29. Racial bias in media
Does news coverage favor whites?
30. Road rage
Why do normally patient people become impatient behind the wheel?
31. School lunches
Should government impose restrictions on what kinds of foods can be served in school cafeterias and what kinds of foods
students can bring to school?
32. School uniforms
Pros and cons of school uniforms.
33. Single sex schools
Do children learn better in boys-only and girls-only schools?
34. Smoking bans
Should the federal government pass a nationwide smoking ban?
35. Social anxiety
How is it different from shyness? And, does our society help unintentionally create anxiety?
36. Social media
Can excessive use of social media contribute to addictive behaviors (drugs, tobacco, alcohol) or mental health issues?
37. Spanking
Should it be outlawed?
38. Toys
Do certain children’s toys create social or emotional problems?
39. Wages
There’s a minimum wage, but should there also be a maximum wage/salary a person can earn?
40. Wind energy
Is wind energy really that cheap? Is it effective? Is it practical?