Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
Individual Research Project #1
Name: ____________________________________________
Date: ________________
As part of our year's work, you are responsible for two independent research
projects, each on a topic of your choice. Individual Research Project #1 will be a
presentation, while IRP #2 will be a research paper. In order to formalize your
research, we are asking that you prepare a project that meets the following criteria:
Introduction:
 Identification and definition of the topic:
o Statement of the primary research question
 THESIS statement as to importance/significance of the topic chosen and
reason for choice goals of research
 Major sub-questions you are trying to answer
Presentation:
 This can take one of several approved formats, which will be determined as
part of the planning process.
o Examples include: an oral presentation with accompanying visual
aids such as a PowerPoint, museum walk-through, posters, or models
 Regardless of the format chosen, your presentation must provide
information and examples explaining answers to your questions
 Provide a list of sources used.
Conclusions:
 Summary of answers leading to a conclusion regarding your Guiding
Question and your Thesis Statement
 Predictions for future or suggestions for next steps/subsequent research
Sources:
 This list of books, websites, videos, interviews, etc. should be included as the
final slide(s) of your presentation.
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
Structuring Your Project:
In order to assist you throughout the research process, ensure that you are
finding quality information and put you on the path for a successful presentation,
we have provided you with this packet. You are required to complete the sheets in
this IRP packet and turn each in on the due dates listed below.
You are welcome to meet with us about your IRP as many times as you feel
necessary. Additionally, we may call meetings with you. However, the sheets in this
packet and the dates below are the required checks.
Due Dates:
Preliminary planning sheet #1 (Selecting Topic):
Thursday, October 22nd
Preliminary planning sheet #2 (Topic Questions):
Thursday, October 29th
Preliminary planning sheet #3 (Group Suggestions):
Thursday, November 5th
Research Check #1
Thursday, November 12th
Presentation Plan Sheet:
Thursday, November 19th
Research Check #2
Thursday, December 17th
Preliminary Conclusions:
Thursday, January 14th
Rough draft Bibliography/Works Cited:
Thursday, January 21st
Presentations Begin!
MONDAY, JANUARY 25TH
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Planning Sheet #1
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, October 22nd
Individual Research Project:
Preliminary Planning Sheet #1 – Selecting Your Topic
Over these next few weeks, we will be creating our units for the year. However,
simultaneously, you should be thinking about your Individual Research Project.
In order to help you get started, think about all the questions we generated. Were
there any questions/topics that you found particularly interesting? Are there any new
questions/topics that you have come up with or find interesting?
List any interesting questions/topics you found or have come up with in the space
below:
Are any of the topics/questions you listed above related? Can connections be made?
Now that you have chosen a topic, you need to identify an overarching question.
Example: “What impact has technology had on the comfort of shoes?”
Write your question on the lines provided:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Take a position on the topic, by creating a thesis statement, which will help guide your
research.
Preliminary Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Teacher Initials: _________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Planning Sheet #2
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, October 29th
Individual Research Project:
Preliminary Planning Sheet #2 – Topic Questions
Research Topic: _________________________________________________________________
Topic Questions:
Now that you have identified the topic you wish to research, use the space below to list a
minimum of ten (10) questions you have about that topic. These questions should help you
define your research and keep the focus on your thesis.
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Planning Sheet #3
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, November 5th
Individual Research Project:
Preliminary Planning Sheet #3 – Group Suggestions
Directions:
Share your topic and starter questions, from the previous page, with a MINIMUM
OF THREE of your peers. Your responsibility is to write down their responses; do
not judge what they say. Just write down their questions and ideas.
Use the graphic organizer on the next page to record all the ideas, comments and
questions they suggest.
After you have received feedback from at least three of your peers, use the final
column of the graphic organizer to share your thoughts on their suggestions.
THE GRAPHIC ORGANIZERS ARE
ON THE NEXT PAGES
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
Peer Name:
Peer Comments:
What feedback, advice, suggestions, etc. can you
provide?
Your Comments:
Were the comments of your peers appropriate for your
research? Why? Why not?
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
Peer Name:
Peer Comments:
What feedback, advice, suggestions, etc. can you
provide?
Teacher Initials: ________________________
Your Comments:
Were the comments of your peers appropriate for your
research? Why? Why not?
Date: ________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Research Check #1
Name: ___________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, November 12th
Individual Research Project #1:
Research Check #1
Instructions:
Above, you will find the date that you will be submitting the FIRST set of data/information
that you have collected from researching your topic. You are welcome to check in with us
regarding your research before the week of November 12th; however, this research check is
required to take place during this specific week.
You should hand in your IRP folder with all of the information you have found to date. This
information may be in the form of note cards, printed pages, pictures, websites, etc.
The goal is to check in with you to make sure you are coming along with your research.
TEACHER COMMENTS:
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Presentation Plan
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, November 19th
Individual Research Project #1:
Planning the Presentation
Research Topic: _________________________________________________________________
Directions:
As you gather information about your topic, you should also begin to think about
appropriate ways you could present the results of your research to the class. Use this form
first to brainstorm presentation ideas. Then, use the form to narrow your options to the
one that best suits your means.
Step #1: List at least three possible formats or media you think could appropriately convey
your work to the class:
Format #1:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Format #2:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Format #3:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Format #4:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Format #5:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Step #2: Taking into consideration your topic, talents, and strengths, what are the
advantages and disadvantages of each possible format you listed?
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Format #1:
Format #2:
Format #3:
Format #4:
Format #5:
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
Step #3: Now that you have brainstormed the advantages and disadvantages of each of the
possible formats, discuss them with a friend or a member of your group. What is his/her
opinion? Have him/her write in their opinion below:
I think Format # ______ is the best choice because…
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Signed: ________________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Step #4: You have now brainstormed possible ideas and identified the advantages and
disadvantages of each, presented the options to a friend/classmate and heard his/her
opinion. It is time for you to make a decision.
Which option have you decided to use? Why?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Step #5: List all of the materials or resources you will need to make this type of
presentation successful.
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Research Check #2
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, December 17th
Individual Research Project #1:
Research Check #2
Instructions:
Above, you will find the date that you will be submitting the SECOND set of
data/information that you have collected from researching your topic.
You should hand in your IRP folder with all of the information you have found to
date. This information may be in the form of note cards, printed pages, pictures, websites,
etc.
The goal is to check in with you to see how you have progressed since the FIRST
check.
TEACHER COMMENTS:
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Preliminary Conclusions
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, January 14th
Individual Research Project #1:
Preliminary Conclusions
Instructions:
This sheet is for you to identify the conclusions you have come to based on your
research. These conclusions should be directly related to your thesis and should be
supported by the data/information you have found.
In the space below, or on a typed page attached to this sheet, list the preliminary
conclusions you have come to and the data/information/rationale that supports them.
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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Soundings XVI: 2015 – 2016
IRP #1
Works Cited
Name: ____________________________________________
Date Due: Thursday, January 21st
Individual Research Project #1:
Works Cited & Resources
Research Topic: _________________________________________________________
Directions:
As you research your topic, you will be getting information from many sources, such
as the following: books, internet, people, etc. It is always important to keep track of these
sources to avoid plagiarism and to relocate or verify information.
Use this sheet to record your sources. Include pertinent information about the
author, speaker or artist, publisher or producer, date of publication or interview and any
other information that helps identify your sources. Keep this sheet handy as you research.
Be prepared to hand it in with your final project presentation. Attach any extra sheets as
needed.
Teacher Initials: __________________
Date: ___________________
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