PROJECT DUE: Ancient Egypt Museum Research Project Dear Student, We have just studied the amazing civilization of Ancient Egypt! You have learned much about the culture, geography, and history of the Egyptians. You have also learned about the many problems and obstacles the Egyptians faced and overcame through problem-solving and inventions. However, there is much about Egypt still to be discovered! That is why you will be taking control of your learning to research a topic of interest to you, and to create a project. This project will include a research paper and a museum artifact. At the end of this project we will have a museum day where you will teach others about what you learned. For this project, you will be able to decide what you want to research and create. With all this freedom, we know that you will create some wonderful projects! These research papers and artifacts should help us all understand more about Ancient Egypt. The information your will receive in addition the to these pages, will help guide you as your create your museum exhibit. Included are some ideas, items that you will be responsible for completing and turning in, and the scoring guide for this project. Happy Researching! Mrs. Downs, ELA Jessica.Downs@spencer.kyschools.us Mrs. Jacobson, ELA Amanda.Jacobson@Spencer.kyschools.us Mrs. Krause, SS Susanne.Krause@spencer.kyschools.us Ms. A. Mac, SS Ashley.McGaughey2@spencer.kyschools.us Mr. Shelburne, ECE Garrett.Shelburne@spencer.kyschools,us Mrs. Smith, ECE Angela.Smith@spencer.kyschools.us Project Steps Checklist Step 1: Research and Works Cited Page Step 2: Research Paper Step 3: Artifact Creation Step 4: Presentation at Museum Day 1
Step 1: Research and Works Cited When historians want to research a topic, they normally start with a question that they want to answer or a problem they want to understand. For this project, consider problems the Ancient Egyptians encountered and their solutions to those problems. In the space below list at least three problems (issues) that the Ancient Egyptians solved to make their civilization more advanced and efficient, or to make life better! 1. 2. 3. A. Choose your problem: Examine your three problems, and choose the one that interests you the most by drawing a star beside its number. This problem/solution will guide your research and will become your project. For example, perhaps I choose the problem of flooding from the Nile River. B. Next, conduct your research to learn more details about how the Egyptians solved the problem that interests you. Use books, textbooks, websites, etc. Also check out the class website for links to accurate websites. For example, I would do research about how the Egyptians controlled the floods from the Nile River. As you do research and take notes, keep thinking about how the Egyptians solved the problem. Research that does not focus on the problem and solution should be not be used!!! Taking Notes: Notes should be written in your own words or should use quotation marks to indicate an author s words plagiarism (borrowing another s work without giving credit) is against copyright law, as well as our code of conduct, and will result in a poor grade. C. Create a Works Cited page (use Works Cited Page provided). As you research and find information that provides details about the problem/solution, you must cite all the sources that you are using. You must keep track of the author, title, date of publication, and other information based on the type of source. Use www.bibme.org and/or ask for help. 2
A Works Cited Page Name: Works Cited Page Instructions and Sample Begins on a new page (We are using the back of this page). Includes the words Works Cited centered at the top of the page, without quotation marks, italics, or underlining Starts each entry on a new line, aligned to the left Indents the second and all additional lines in an entry five spaces ( hanging indent ) Double-spaces all lines Is alphabetized by the author s last name, first word in a book title, or first word in the website s name. Includes at least three different sources! *The website www.bibme.org is very helpful and will assist you in arranging your citation information. Microsoft Word will also help you cite sources by using the references tab. Author Title City of publication Publisher Year Author or Organization Title of Page Date Form of source URL Web address 3
Works Cited 4
Step 2: Research Paper What is a historical research paper? A research paper is an in-depth study of a historical topic that includes a strong thesis statement, evidence from good sources, and a strong conclusion to support the purpose (thesis statement) of the paper. Essentially, the writing provides EVIDENCE to support your assertion of how the Egyptians solved one of their problems or issues and HOW they did it. How is a research paper written after I have finished my research? 1. Develop a thesis statement. A thesis statement states the solution to the problem that you researched. A thesis statement provides the main idea behind your writing. It states what is going to be proven and gives details based on the research and the evidence you collected. However, a good thesis DOES NOT include words like I believe or My opinion. Read below for a sample thesis statement. The thesis statement is the last sentence of your first (introductory) paragraph. Example Thesis statement: The Ancient Egyptians solved the difficult problem of flooding from the Nile River by developing a highly advanced system of flood control and irrigation that allowed their civilization to grow and prosper. 2. Develop an Outline (Prewriting) and Consult your Research. A. Introduction and Thesis B. Body 1.Hook your audience then introduce the problem and solution. 2.How did this problem impact or make life difficult for the Egyptians? 3.End this paragraph with your thesis statement. 1. Determine the main points that you want to share that support your thesis statement. You will probably have 3-5 main points. C. Conclusion a. Each point should include supporting evidence and details from your research. This is where your thinking should be evident. b. Make connections, give interesting information, and make your reader FEEL the importance of the problem the Egyptians faced and the brilliance of their solution! 1. Restate your thesis statement 2. Summarize your main points 3. Conclude with the importance of the Egyptian s solution/how it impacted their civilization and make any connections to how we are still impacted by their solution today. 4. Connect back to your hook to finish. 5
3. Write your Paper How to write In- Text Citations Name: Turn your outline into paragraph form. Add details and evidence from your research. Requirements: 1.Typed 1-3 pages minimum; Introduction, Body (3-5 paragraphs), Conclusion 2.Times New Roman, 12 point font 3.Double-spaced 4.Your name, date, and class period in top right corner 5. Page numbers in bottom right corner 6.Title/Topic centered on first line (can be 14 font) 7.At least 3 different sources must be used. All information must be cited in the Works Cited page AND in the paper using in-text citations! If you are using the exact words from a book or article you must use quotation marks. You should not use more than one to two sentences of quotations. Add a citation at the end of the sentence using parentheses and the author s last name or the name of the webpage or book and the page number. Paraphrase content: Read the research and then put it into your own words by thinking about what it means. Add a citation at the end of the sentence using parentheses and the author s last name or the name of the webpage or book and the 4. Read, Edit, Reread, Revise! page number Book Example: Egyptian houses were built of brick made of mud and straw, dried in the sun. (Smith 14) Page Number Author s Last Name Webpage Example: Writing was a major instrument in the centralization of the Egyptian state and its self-presentation. (Britannica) Website Name 7. Works Cited Page with at least 3 sources must be attached to the back of your paper. You should read your own paper multiple times after the first draft. You should ask other students, parents, teachers, etc. to read and offer suggestions. Edit and Revise! Grammar, Spelling, Punctuation Does it make sense? Where is the Evidence to back up your thesis statement? Details!! Word Usage and Vocabulary 5. Final Copy Should be neatly handwritten or typed Works Cited Page should be attached as the last page. Can be handed in as a paper copy, emailed, or sent as a shared document. 6
Step 3: Artifact Creation Make your writing come to life! Now that you have researched, written your paper, and have become an expert on your problem/solution from Egypt, you will have the opportunity to teach your friends! You will be creating an artifact to help you explain the problem and solution that you have focused on. This artifact will be presented at our 7 th Grade Museum Day. You will have your own exhibit area where students can come and learn from you! Museum Exhibit Requirements: Small Sign that includes: Your name Topic Project Thesis Statement o Your sign should be smaller than a poster board. o Clear and easy to read. Artifact o This creation will represent the problem and solution you researched and should help you teach about your topic in some way. It can be interactive, so your visitors can use it to learn. o Possible artifact ideas: Small Model (small enough to be allowed on the bus) Diorama Digital Creation (1 or 2 minute video, music video, Prezi, etc.) You MUST bring your own device to present this creation. Short 1-2 minute skit Game Talk to me about other ideas you have. o This artifact should be of high quality to show off your best work. (Note- high quality DOES NOT mean you need to spend a lot of money, but that your effort and planning are obvious and the artifact is easy for your visitors to understand/read/work with) 7
Ancient Egypt Museum: Research Project Scoring Guide Research Paper- 75% Category Description Points Possible Format Introduction/ Thesis Body Conclusion Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Historical Accuracy Works Cited Page Typed 1-3 pages minimum (3-4 handwritten) Times New Roman, 12 point font, Double-spaced (one line skipped for handwritten) Name, date, and class period in top right corner Title/Topic centered on first line Page numbers bottom right-hand corner Hook to catch the reader s attention. Introduces the problem and solution. Discusses how this problem impacted or made life difficult for the Egyptians. Last sentence is Thesis Statement. Includes 3-5 logical main points to support Thesis Each point includes supporting evidence and details from research. Historical thinking is evident through connections, examples, etc. that support the problem/solution and thesis statement. Thesis statement is restated. Main points are briefly summarized The importance of the Egyptian s solution to their civilization is discussed Any connections to how we are still impacted by their solution today are included when appropriate Concluding sentence ties back to the hook Artifact/Presentation- 25% Category Sign Artifact Grammar, spelling, and punctuation are complete and correct. Mistakes do not detract greatly from the overall message of the writing. Information is accurate. Research evidence is paraphrased (in your own words) or quotation marks are used. In-text citations are used to give credit to the author. Student uses historical evidence to support thesis. Works Cited page is attached, complete and, accurate. At least 3 sources are used and cited correctly. TOTAL 75 Description Small sign that includes: o Name o Topic o Project Thesis Statement Sign is clear and easy to read. Artifact (diorama, model, etc.) helps student teach other students. Artifact is neat and creative. Presentation Student presents information clearly to help others learn. 5 15 Points Possible TOTAL 25 5 15 8