Research Ending

We are heading into the weekend and the students should be wrapping up their research and putting everything together. Today I gave them an example of the paper with the background/history and argument sections. It also included a works cited page that students must also get set up. The lesson today was making sure the in-text citations matched with a citation on the works cited page. By tomorrow, the students should start typing or writing the first draft. It is due Monday.

Homework:
Read AR
Rough draft due Monday

In Text Citations and Research

Today we did a little exercise on in text citations to make sure students know what they are and how they should look. We will continue the practices throughout the week. Afterward, the students were given time to research.

Homework:
Read AR
10 note cards due Thursday (20 if working on your own)
Rough Draft due Monday

Choice

Today students had a choice in what they did. They had a choice to read AR, do more research, or add in text citations to their t-charts. Many students left the in text citations out of their charts. This is the main idea of the term so it is important students understand in text citations.

Homework:
Read AR
Research
10 note cards due by Thursday (20 if working on your own)

Citation Quiz and T-chart

Today the students took a quiz on in-text citations. Unfortunately, many did poorly. This was an important skill the students should have been using over the last week during research, so I guess students haven't been doing it. I also went over the t-chart and works cited page students need to turn in tomorrow. Click here to see the handout. The t-chart should be a continuation of what they have been working on over the past couple of weeks. The works cited page is typing out the citations from their note cards.

Homework:
Read AR
Finish t-chart and works cited page

The Outsiders and Research

Today we finished watching The Outsiders and worked on the comparison between it and the book. After completing their paragraphs, the students were able to research. Five note cards are due tomorrow, 10 if you are working alone.

Homework:
Read AR
5 note cards

HSA

One more day of HSA testing then the schedule can get back to normal. This week focused on in-text citations and research. I passed out a worksheet students should keep for next year as it will help them in social studies class. Click here to see it. In-text citations are in the body of the paper and are after specific information from a source. Instead of just a bibliography,  now the reader can see exactly what information came from which source. The rest of the classes will be dedicated to doing research online.

Homework:
Read AR
Research

Note Cards and HSA Prep

Yesterday, we went over note cards the students will be using during their research. The presentation showed different ways of organizing and writing the cards, but if students have a way that works for them, they don't need to change. Click here to see the presentation.
Today we did a little review and had a pep talk about the upcoming HSA tests. My main message today was to use these tests to prepare themselves for important tests in their futures (i.e. college entrance exams, tests for jobs).

Homework:
Do a note card on your topic (due Tuesday)

Works Cited and Credible Source

Yesterday the students continued their citation practice by making a citation page of all of the resources worked on in class. If mistakes were made, students are allowed to correct their citation page to receive full credit, but it must be turned in Monday. Today, there was a presentation on credible sources. Click here to see it. It is up to the students to evaluate a site and its author to determine if the information is correct. I also passed out a sheet with the information presented today. Click here to see it.

Homework:
Read AR
Rewrite works cited page if needed