-------------------------------------------------------------VERIFICATION FORM---------------------------------------------------------------- Signing this verifies that both student and parent/guardian are aware of the requirements and he importance of the research project and that the student has received his/her information packet. Student signature: Date: Parent/guardian: Date:
HJH s 8 th grade Louisiana history honors students are required to complete the research component of the state curriculum. The purpose is to provide students with the opportunity for independent research. This is mandated by the Terrebonne Parish School Board, and it fulfills the state requirements for conducting research using a variety of resources. This packet will serve as a guideline for completing the required research components. Below are frequently-asked questions about SS fair requirements. How many grades is the project worth? o Students will receive the equivalent of four individual grades for their research project. presentation board: 1 grade model: 1 grade research paper format: 1 grade research paper content: 1 grade In which grading period will these grades apply? o These grades will apply to the final grading period of the semester. They are classified as major assessments; thus, they fall into the 70% column (see syllabus for explanation). What happens if the project is not submitted or is submitted partially on the due date? o An F will be assigned to any component of the research project that is not submitted on the due date. For example, if a student chooses not to turn in any component of the research project, that student has earned four Fs, one for each component. What are the grading criteria for the research paper, presentation board, and model? o The rubrics for each are included in this packet. Why did judges place a project as 1 st, 2 nd, etc., but the teacher assigned a lower-than-expected grade? o Judges have certain criteria to follow when selecting projects for placement and further competition, while the teacher grades projects based on the rubrics provided in this packet. Because of this, the two frequently do not match. o It is possible to place 1 st in a category but receive a lower-than-expected grade on one or more of the components if the criteria as stated on the rubric is not fulfilled. What qualifies a project to move to high levels of competition? o A project must place 1 st at the school level to move on to the regional competition. o A project must place 1 st or 2 nd at the regional level to move onto the state level. o Winners at any level are not required to participate in further competition if they do not wish to do so. Can the research paper that is written for ELA classes be used for this project? o Yes, the same report may be used if the research topic applies to a category of social studies. This is actually encouraged. In the past, some teachers of the two subjects have worked together to guide students in creating one well-written, thoroughly-researched paper. What are the categories of social studies that projects must be classified under? o history o geography o economics o political science o anthropology o sociology A paper explaining each category is included in this packet. Can previous projects be submitted? o Each project must be original work done by the student this school year. o Previous SS fair projects may be added to or improved upon; however, the final product must conform to the guidelines presented in this packet. The following must be submitted to receive permission to continue a previous project: picture of previous board and model research paper that accompanied the project Are group projects allowed? o In an effort of minimize opportunities for plagiarism, group projects are not allowed. What is plagiarism? o According to dictionary.com, plagiarism is defined as the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one s own original work, as by not crediting the author.
Louisiana History Honors What are common forms of plagiarism? o Common forms of plagiarism include, but are not limited to: copying and pasting information from the internet This includes information that is not considered word-for-word. failing to use parenthetical citations to indicate the source of information failing to submit a works cited page with the research paper How will plagiarism impact a project s grades? o If plagiarism is detected within the research paper, the content portion of the paper will receive an F. The remainder of the project will be graded as is. o Projects containing plagiarism will be disqualified from further competition. Do research papers have to be typed? o Yes; please see the rubric included in this packet for further information on research paper format. What if no computer is available to type the research paper at home? o There are other available resources, including, but not limited to: friends and relatives public library school library classroom computer Students must schedule a time with the teacher to access this computer. Will students have time in class to work on the project? o Students will spend two class days in the library conducting research with the teacher s help. ELA teachers typically bring students to the library for research as well. Check with the appropriate ELA teacher for further information. o The remaining research and work on the presentation board and model will be done at home, as this is an independent assignment. Where can students find information for research papers? o Most books, magazines, newspapers, and reference books are considered reliable resources. Please examine all resources to determine if bias outweighs factual content. o The Internet has the most resources available; however, not everything on the Internet is reliable. When in the library, students should use the EBSCO or WorldBook databases for reliable sources from the Internet. Wikipedia is not allowed because its information is user-edited and is more prone to inaccuracies and bias. Web addresses ending in.edu,.org, or.gov are usually reliable. Do not hesitate to ask the teacher if a website appears questionable. What are the maximum dimensions for the presentation board? o Boards must be no more than 26 inches wide, 30 inches deep, 6 feet tall, and weigh less than 100 pounds. o Two boards may be stacked to increase height; however, the boards must be secured and stand upright. What happens if this packet is lost? o A packet may be printed from the teacher s website. No extras will be given in class. Read through the entire packet for the guidelines and format for each SS fair component. DUE DATES topic selection: at least 3 ideas topic revisions labeled sketch of presentation board and model rough draft of title page rough draft of table of contents rough draft of abstract rough draft of works cited page rough draft of one complete page of to check parenthetical citations final project brought to HJH library (2:30-6:00 PM) and set up on appropriate table (research report, backboard display, model) public viewing during school---pick up projects after school (2:30-6:00 PM)
WRITING A RESEARCH REPORT Step 1: Select a topic Choose a topic that interests you. Narrow down your topic to a specific item, time period, etc. Ex. Community Coffee s Economic Impact on LA instead of Community Coffee Step 2: Create a rough outline of what you want to include about this topic. Step 3: Use index cards to write notes when you find information you can use. This is a requirement in ELA so start now so you don t have to do double the work. Include your name on each note card. Include bibliographic info on each note card. Ex. Title, author, page number of source, page number, author. Include facts from sources on each note card. o There is an individual sheet on note cards included in this packet. Step 4: After thorough research, organize your note cards by main categories or subtopics. Stack common note cards together. Step 5: Take one stack of cards. Arrange them in a sensible, flowing order. Use the facts from your stack to create a paragraph. Include parenthetical citations at the end of your sentences or paragraphs when you use facts from a source. This shows a reader where you found the information. Vary your sentence structure, and make sure you write in complete sentences. Step 6: Once you re finished with your stacks of subtopics and have written all of the paragraphs, you re almost done! Write a catchy, well-thought introductory paragraph. Introductions should be creative and spark interest in reading your report and states the topic and purpose for your research. Write a concluding paragraph that wraps up the main idea of your paper. Step 7: Complete the title page, table of contents, and a separate conclusion page. (See sample pages to do these correctly.) Step 8: Cite your sources on a bibliography/works cited page. See the sample pages included in this packet to do these correctly. Each type of source is cited differently using MLA format. Step 9: Proofread your rough draft. Improve sentence structure. Improve word choice. Use transitions to make sentences flow smoothly. Check grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation. Check for instances where your writing is too similar to the source and rephrase. Step 10: Type your final copy. double space between lines single space between paragraphs 12-point legible font (If you use Arial, change it to 10 point font). 1-inch margins on all sides page numbers (do not number title page or table of contents) plain white paper black ink
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOCIAL STUDIES DISCIPLINES The following descriptions of the social studies disciplines are guidelines to help place projects in the correct categories. These guidelines are from the Region 10 help at Nicholls State University. Anthropology is the study of human beings from prehistory to contemporary societies. It includes all aspects of human development, both physical development and cultural heritage. Anthropology includes many diverse branches of the study of humanity and its social adaptations. The field is so broad that anthropologists are specialists in some branch. Archeology is the study of humanity through fossils and artifacts. Physical anthropology deals with the biological development of humans. Cultural anthropology studies the ways humans have devised to cope with their natural settings and social environments, and how customs are learned, retained, and handed down from one generation to another. Economics is the study of the production and exchange of goods produced by humanity. The economist analyzes the data, issues, and public policies related to the production, distribution and consumption of scarce resources. The economist describes the economic system in an effort to explain how people satisfy their wants and needs. The economic behavior of humans is concerned with methods of doing business, producing, organizing (labor and management), financing, and regulating these activities. Geography is the study of the earth's surface, humanity's utilization of raw materials and resources, and human behavior as influenced by location and other geographic factors. Geography is the study of the relationship between the physical environment and human activities. A geographer describes the earth's surface, the changes that occur in it, the knowledge of its various parts (land, water and atmosphere), and the theories of its formation and change. History encompasses all that has happened to humanity. History in a narrower sense can be limited to the history of a country (all that happened in that country), or it can be limited to a group of people, an institution, a community, etc. History is more than a systematic record of events of the past, because it usually includes analysis and explanation of these events. History is the record of changes of civilizations. Political Science is the study of the theory and practice of humanity in organizing and controlling the power necessary for group living. Different societies have different methods of human control. The process of government can be studied by description, through comparison and classification of political data. Sociology is the study of humanity's social needs that necessitate cooperation within and between groups. Groups are constantly changing in nature and function because personality, attitudes, motivation, and behavior of individuals both influence and are influenced by social groups. The sociologists study the development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings.
SELECTING A TOPIC The most important step in preparing a research paper is choosing a good topic. Select a topic that is included within the six social studies disciplines. Use the guidelines below in choosing your topic. 1. Avoid topics that are limited. Example: How many states are in the United States? A student cannot write a report on a topic that can be explained in a few words or a sentence. Better topic: "What valuable resources are found in the southern states?" 2. Avoid topics that are too broad. Example: What happened during the Vietnam War? Topics that are too big make it impossible to condense all the information to cover the topic adequately. Better topic: How did America become involved in the Vietnam War? 3. Some topics have no available information. Example: Why did Henry Hudson get into trouble with the crew of his ship? We often do not know exactly why people did what they did in the past. 4. Avoid topics that are confusing because we cannot tell what information is requested. Example: What do people of Japan like? We know that the people of Japan may differ in their likes and dislikes. Better topic: What are the favorite sports of the people of Japan? 5. Avoid topics on which people throughout the world cannot agree. Example: What is the most powerful country in the world? Your topic should be supported with facts. You should use these facts to form your own opinions. Better topic: Why is Japan considered the strongest economic power in the world?
BIBLIOGRAPHY CARDS ELA requires research to be recorded on index cards. When we go to the library, you should bring index cards with you so you can record your info for your research paper. This will help you fulfill ELA s requirements. Here s an example of what you should document. Example: Back Side includes a short summary of the information that may be helpful to your topic This chapter contains some of Emily Dickinson s life experiences which influenced her views of death in her poetry.
Formatting Your Research Paper You will submit two copies of your research paper. One will be placed on display with your project. The other will be given to the teacher for grading. Your research paper should be placed in the following order. 1. title page (do not number this page) 2. table of contents (do not number this page) 3. abstract (start numbering here) 4. body of research 5. works cited (end numbering here) The presentation copy of your research paper must include a title page. This copy will be placed with your project. It should not include your name. It should only include the title of your project. It may be decorated to match the theme of your project. o Be sure this is done tactfully so the title remains legible and easy to identify. The teacher copy of your research paper must include a title page centered on the page and formatted as follows: Project Title Student s Name Teacher s name 8 th grade Social Studies November 29, 2011
Formatting the Table of Contents Below is a sample table of contents that includes subheadings (divisions within the body of your paper). Note that the abstract and conclusion are on their own individual pages. Table of Contents Abstract.... 1 Introduction......2 Subtitle 1......2 Subtitle 2.. 3 Subtitle 4.. 4 Conclusion...5 Works Cited. 6 Formatting the Abstract The LA State SS Fair suggests the abstract be no more than 250 words and is described as a brief summary of the content and the purpose of the project. The abstract may include information about the reference sources used. An abstract of the project should be included as its own separate page within the research paper. Basically, this is a summary of your project. It should include a thesis statement (what you are research and why), methodology (how you went about gathering research-ex. Did you issue a survey? What was it about?), and conclusion (results of your research). Below is the sample abstract as seen on the LA State SS Fair website. Abstract 1 This project is about the internment of Japanese-American citizens during World War II. The project will describe the historical background for popular sentiment against Japanese-Americans living on the west coast of the United States at the beginning of World War II. The project will show that the internment of these people was not an act to increase national security but was part of a greater effort to calm an alarmed American public frightened by the sudden attack on Pearl Harbor. Further, the project will show that the internment of these American citizens was inconsistent with constitutional principles. Information for this project was secured from various sources, including books, periodicals, and government documents. Also included with the project will be taped interviews with legal experts and Japanese-Americans. This project intends to demonstrate that even in times of national emergency, citizens must be careful to ensure constitutional rights.
Formatting The Conclusion The conclusion is simply a paragraph that summarizes the results of your research. Technically, it is part of your body of research; however, according the SS fair standards, it should be placed on its own page. Conclusion In summary, Louisiana politics is known for its colorful characters caught in interesting predicaments. From brother governors Huey and Earl Long to fresh-from-prison Edwin Edwards, Louisiana has earned its reputation for demagogic politicians known for scandal. Formatting the Works Cited Page Students should use MLA guidelines to cite resources properly. Sources must be placed in alphabetical order. See the following pages for sample entries of various resources. Use these as a guide for citing similar resources. Below is a sample works cited page. Works Cited Bender, David L., series editor. Censorship. St. Paul: Greenhaven Press, 1985. "Education at Home: A Showdown in Texas." Life. March, 1985, p. 87. Fradin, Dennis B. Georgia in Words and Pictures. Chicago: Children's Press, 1981. Griffey, Thomas A. "Noise." 1989. World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 14, p. 455. Chicago: World Book, The World Almanac and Book of Facts. New York: Newspaper Enterprises Association, Inc., 1989.
EXAMPLES OF BIBLIOGRAPHIC CITATIONS Every research paper will have include a works cite/bibliography page. Here are examples of how to cite common informational resources. Book with a single author Author's last name, author's first name. Title of the book. Place of publication: Publisher's name, date of publication. Fradin, Dennis B. Georgia in Words and Pictures. Chicago: Children's Press, 1981. Book with more than one author Visher, Emily B. and John S. Bennett. Stepfamilies: A Guide to Working with Stepparents and Stepchildren. New York: Brunner/Mazel, 1979. Book with an editor (no author listed) Editor's last name, first name, editor's title. Name of the book. Place of publication: Publisher's name, date of publication. Bender, David L., series editor. Censorship. St. Paul: Greenhaven Press, 1985. Book with no author listed Title of the book. Place of publication: Publisher's name, date of publication. The World Almanac and Book of Facts. New York: Newspaper Enterprises Association, Inc., 1989. Encyclopedia article - signed Author's last name, author's first name. "Title of article." Name of encyclopedia. Volume number, page number. Place of publication: Name of publisher, date of publication. Griffey, Thomas A. "Noise." World Book Encyclopedia. Vol. 14, p. 455. Chicago: World Book, 1989. Encyclopedia article - unsigned "Title of article." Name of encyclopedia. Volume number, page number. Place of publication: Name of publisher, date of publication. Magazine article with an author listed Author's last name, author's first name. "Title of the article." Name of the magazine. Date of magazine, pages of the article. Warner, Margaret Garrard. "A Class of American Diplomacy?" Newsweek. Oct. 30, 1989, pp. 62-63. Magazine article with no author listed "Title of article." Name of magazine. Date of magazine, page number. "Education at Home: A Showdown in Texas." Life. March, 1985, p. 87.
Newspaper article - signed Author's last name, author's first name. "Title of article." Name of newspaper. Date of article, section, page number. Keen, Judy. "Relief Pouring into Bay Area." USA Today. Oct. 23, 1989, Sec. A, p. 1. Newspaper article - unsigned "Title of article." Name of newspaper. Date of article, section, page number. "Amazing Amazon Region." New York Times. Jan. 12, 1981, Sec. B, p. 11. Pamphlet "Name of Pamphlet." Agency. Place of publication: Name of publisher, date of publication. "Velvetbean Caterpillar." The Dept. of Agriculture. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1960. Personal interview Person's last name, person's first name. Company name or occupation. Place of interview, date of interview. Email Author of email. Subject line of the message. [Online] Available email: Student@adress.edu from Author@address.edu, date of document download. Rule, Christopher. Nile River Research Project results. [Online] Available mail: student5@smallvillehigh.edu from ert @informns.k12.mm.us, October 2, 1999. World Wide Web Author. Title of item. [Online] Available http://address/filename,date of document or download. Schwartz, Robert. The Cold War Revisited: A Splintered USSR. [Online] Available http://usa.coldwar.serve.gov/index/cold.war/ countries/former.soviet.block/, November 1, 1998. Online Newspaper Article Pressley, S. (1999, Jan. 6). Miami s Cubans find good in easing of restrictions [19 paragraphs]. The Washington Post [Online]. Available: http:// www.washingtonpost.com/wpsrv/inatl/longterm/cuba/cuba.htm [1999, Jan. 6].
PREPARING A BACKBOARD 1. Start gathering materials early for your backboard. If you create anything on the computer for your backboard or any other part of your project, be sure to SAVE IT so you can edit later if necessary. 2. Several stores in our area carry project boards in a variety of colors and materials. Some stores also stock border, letters, and other items that you can use on your board. Look for board at: Lee s Education (Barrow Street) Michael s Hobby Lobby 3. Draw out a plan that uses the materials you have gathered and the required parts of a backboard. You might try drawing several sketches or plans so you can pick the one that best suits your purpose. Keep in mind that an orderly arrangement will bring unity to your work and that a preliminary sketch will help work problems out on paper. 4. Using the preliminary sketch or plan, lay out the letters and other items you have gathered on your backboard. Be sure to leave space between items to avoid clutter. The board s information show flow in an organized fashion. Be creative. Decorate your board with a common theme that is relevant to your topic. 5. As a final step, glue down the letters and other documentation you have planned for your backboard. A product called Rubber Cement works well and comes off easily if you need to reuse you board. AN INFORMATIVE BACKBOARD INCLUDES a title of the project visuals to illustrate the topic (pictures, charts, graphs, maps, etc) captions for certain visuals so the audience knows its significance
MODELS Models add a great deal to a social studies project. They give a three-dimensional interpretation of the topic. Examples: surveys diagrams murals dioramas video recordings maps, graphs, etc. artifacts photographs PowerPoints Rules for model use The sole use of commercial models, such as model planes and ships, toy soldiers, toy furniture and dishes, and any other commercial objects, is discouraged. However, such items may be used if they are included within a student-constructed model. A note on models: Although clay is a material students enjoy working with, clay models are often unclear and often break when transported. Because of this, clay models are discouraged. If your model requires electricity, you must provide your own extension cord. Collections or objects of value Students are encouraged to make replicas, if possible, instead of using valuable collections. For example: Make an arrowhead collection from Plaster of Paris rather than displaying the real thing. Security is always an area of concern. Therefore, students are asked to avoid displaying valuable items.
Check-Off List Before bringing your project to school, check off each of the following to make sure you have everything required. 1. Two copies of the research paper are printed. One is for the teacher. The other is placed with the display. 2. Research paper is not attached to the backboard display. 3. Research papers are stapled together securely. 4. Presentation copy of research paper has a title page that only displays the project s title. 5. Teacher copy of research paper includes title page formatted as listed in packet. 6. Table of contents is included and labeled at the top of the page (do not number this page). 7. Abstract is included as a separate page, labeled at the top and numbered (page numbers start here) 8. Body of research is included and numbered. 9. Conclusion is included on a separate page, labeled at the top, and numbered. 10. Works Cited page is included on a separate page, labeled at the top and numbered. 11. Backboard display conforms to the maximum space allotment. It cannot be more than 26 inches wide, 30 inches deep, 6 feet tall, or weigh more than 100 pounds. 12. Backboard display must be sturdy and stand independently. 13. Model is included with the research paper and backboard display. 14. Extension cord is included with models requiring electricity. 15. Name does not appear on any part of the project that will be viewed by judges. You will receive a number that identifies your project when bring your project to the library.
Rubric for SS Fair Model 42-35 A; 34-27 B; 26-17 C; 16-9 D; 7-0 F Criteria Yes (6) Somewhat (3) No (0) Comments Model is relevant to topic. Model enhances research. Model is self-explanatory. Model reflects thought, research, and organization related to topic. Model is neat, attractive, safe, and sturdy Model shows creative ability in design, creation, and arrangement Model follows provided guidelines Model grade: Rubric for SS Fair Presentation Board 60-53 A; 52-45 B; 44-35 C; 34-27 D; 26-0 F Criteria Yes (6) Somewhat (3) No (0) Comments Display is relevant to topic. Display enhances research. Display is self-explanatory Display reflects thought, research, and organization related to topic Display expresses data in a variety of ways. Display includes correct capitalization, punctuation, grammar, and spelling Display is neat and attractive. Display stands without falling. Display expresses creativity and effort. Display creates an original presentation that enhanced research. Presentation board grade:
Rubric for SS Fair Research Report: Format and Elements 66-59 A; 58-51 B; 50-41 C; 40-33 D; 32-0 F Criteria Yes (6) Somewhat (3) No (0) Comments Part I A: Elements---The following elements were submitted in research report: Title page Table of Contents Abstract Conclusion Works Cited Part I B: Format---The following elements were formatted correctly: Title page Table of Contents: includes heading, titles, and matching page numbers Abstract: is formatted correctly and states ideas clearly Conclusion: is formatted correctly and states ideas clearly Works Cited: contains heading with entries in alphabetical order Works Cited: meets minimum number of resources and follows MLA guidelines Research paper elements grade:
Rubric for SS Fair Research Report Content 66-59 A; 58-51 B; 50-41 C; 40-33 D; 32-0 F Part II: The research report Criteria Yes (6) Partly (3) No (0) Comments Introduction paragraph states purpose of research. Body paragraphs reflect depth of research on the selected topic. Conclusion paragraph summarizes research results. Paper reveals development of the selected topic. Body paragraphs contain a minimum of 8 parenthetical citation using correct forms. Works cited uses a minimum of 5 different reliable sources. Paper is written clearly and includes transitions between ideas. Paper is without fragments or run-on sentences. Paper contains correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Paper is typed, double spaced, and in a legible font (Arial 10; others 12). Paper is stapled and in proper order. Research paper content grade: