8th Grade Performance based Research Project
You will be working on a research based project that will be due on January 29 th. This
project will include a written summary of your research topic as well as a 10 slide
minimum power point. The topic for this project is up to you. I am looking for you to
research a topic that is important to you. It can include but is not limited to; a historical
figure (Ronald Reagan, FDR, MLK Jr. etc.), a sports figure (Tom Brady, Jesse Owens,
Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, etc.), or a topic that really interests you (the Roaring 20’s,
WWI, The American Revolution, etc.)
This assignment will require that you spend time outside of class to research
information. You are required to have no more than 3 website references (credible – no
Wikipedia, answer.com, etc.) and 2 books (this can include autobiographies, journals,
etc.) Your work must be sited using either MLA or APA format. All work is to be in your
own words, plagiarism is automatic grounds for an F on the assignment.
Your paper MUST include (5 – 6 paragraphs):
 Intro
 Body
 Conclusion
Personal Topic - the information MUST include:
 Topic (description)
 Why is this important to you
 What should we know about the topic (pro/cons)
 Who are the important people during this time period (if discussing a time
period)?
 Who does this affect?
 Why does it affect them?
 What can we do to resolve the issue (if any)?
 What were the long term effects on society (if any)?
Historical Figure/Sports Figure – the information MUST include:
 Name of person
 How did they become famous?
 Biographical information (date of birth, date of death (if dead), family, where they
grew up, etc.)
 Why is this person interesting to you?
 What is their legacy? (how did their actions change the world)
Remember that your Power Point should have bullet points (like an outline). You are not
writing paragraphs. Each slide will discuss 1 topic (you may need 2 or more slides for 1
topic).