Purpose…
Students will engage in the writing process of a report using one of the topics studied in
science during 8th grade. Related to one of the topics each student will choose to research a
person, place, issue or thing. They will deepen their understanding of the topic by
researching and writing a paper as well as creating a short presentation for the class. This
project provides students the opportunity to examine a scientific topic of interest to them
through writing a research paper (with citations) for their writing portfolio, as well as
practice researching, managing long term assignments, public speaking, and creating
multimedia presentations.
Topics…
Genetics
Energy
Human Body
Characteristic Properties of Matter
Cells
Forces
Atoms and Molecules
Getting started…
Mrs. Blauvelt (Librarian) will introduce topic choosing and research techniques, data bases,
and citing your sources during class. This performance task is an anchor task conducted
MOSTLY outside of science class.
During 1st Class:
1. Hear the project introduction and Mrs. Blauvelt’s research tips
2. Research topics you might be interested in that fit the criteria
3. Try the topic you are most interested in on one of the graphic organizers (your
choice which one). This will help you determine if the topic has enough depth to
continue. If it does, then move on, if it doesn’t pick a new topic.
4. Pick one topic not shared with any other student in your Science Class
5. Confirm your topic with Mrs. Lutz and create a final graphic organizer for your
topic and turn it in.
During 2nd Class:
6. Begin researching your topic CITE AS YOU GO! –Use Easy bib
a. Students are expected to explain all information in kid-friendly terms
(Don’t plagiarize –if you need help to avoid this, ask)
7. Complete a Source Evaluation Sheet for each source you decide to use (practice
task -to be turned in)
8. Take research notes on one of the designated note taking strategies from the web
page (practice task -turn these in when completed).
Outside of Class:
9. Sign up for a due date in science class with Mrs. Lutz and write it in your planner
10. Complete the research outline using your research notes and your graphic
organizer (include a works cited list using MLA 7)
11. Have your research outline peer edited using the research paper rubric.
a. Complete the research paper outline to organize your research (turn it in 1
month before your final project due date) –practice task
b. Make changes to your peer edited draft & have it re-edited
12. Put together a brief digital presentation (5 minutes) to show the class what you
have learned from this project and why they should know about it too.
a. Check the rubric for the presentation
13. Turn in your final paper and be prepared to present to the class on your chosen
due date: A complete WSP includes a written paper with works cited and a
multimedia presentation to the class.
Grading
HINT: Typically students who use the rubrics do well on this project.
Practice Tasks
Performance Tasks
Final Topic Graphic Organizer
Final Research Paper (will also count in LA)
Site Evaluation for each site used (2-4)
Digital Presentation
Research Notes