8 th Grade Research

1. 8th Grade Research March 27th – April 20th Writing an analytical research paper

2. Analytical Research • Forming a research question is the basis of an analytical research paper. The question is neutral and provides direction for you to evaluate and explore the topic as it relates to answering the question. • This type of research paper is not a simple regurgitation of information. Instead, it is your thoughts, conclusions and evaluations of a topic that is backed up with logical information.

3. In an analytical research paper… • You answer the research questions objectively. • You have no preconceived notions or opinions about the topic. • You evaluate the topic and draw conclusions from factual information from reliable sources. • You piece findings together to present the purpose of the paper. • You use serious contemplation and a critical evaluation to answer the research question.

4. Topic: Inventions/Innovations

5. Inventions & Innovations • An invention is the creation of a product or introduction of a process for the first time. Innovation occurs if someone improves on or makes a significant contribution to an existing product, process or service. • Consider your interests when choosing a topic. While you may think it is very funny to choose a ridiculous topic, you will have a much harder time completing your project. • Your choice MUST be approved by me before you begin your research

6. Topics to Avoid • Do not choose a topic for which a single source will provide all the information you need • Do not pick a topic that won’t hold your interest long enough to complete the paper • Do not reuse a paper you have already written • Do not choose a topic that is too broad to be adequately covered in a short paper (i.e. the internet) • Consider avoiding a topic that will be particularly popular among students • Your paper will invariably wind up compared to similar papers

7. Research Paper Expectations • 3 - 5 pages in length, double-spaced • Keep in mind, 3 pages is the minimum. Doing the minimum does not guarantee an A! • MLA format (more about this later) • Minimum of 5 sources, maximum of 8 sources • No more than 3 websites • You MAY use online journals or newspapers (these count as print sources) • No more than 10% of your paper should be quoted material • You must address your subtopics

8. Subtopics • Purpose/rationale (In other words, what was the purpose of trying to invent this? What was the reasoning behind it? Why was it needed?) • Key figures (Who were the important people surrounding the innovation?) • Impact on Decade (How did this innovation impact the decade and the people during that decade? If a household item, who used it? If a weapon, who did it hurt?) • Long-term Impact (How does this technology affect how we live today? Do we use a similar product that has evolved through the years?)

9. Other Information • The process will take about three weeks • We will begin researching after spring break. • The final due date is Monday, April 20th • There will be several checkpoints each week where you are given a +, , or - for the work you have completed. Late or incomplete work will receive an X. • You must develop a research question. Your thesis will come from this question. An exemplary thesis proposes something … what point are you trying to make?

10. Reports vs. Research Papers • Perhaps in elementary school you looked for facts, recorded, then handed in a composite of what you found. You were preparing a report. • A research paper differs from a report in one major way: you are expected to evaluate or interpret or in some other way add to and participate in the information you gather and write about. You must develop a point of view and express original thought through analysis.

11. What will I hand in? • In your folder, in this order, you will hand in … • Rubric/Checklist • All notes • Outline • First draft with peer editing sheet • Essay (with Works Cited page)

12. Mrs. Cukiernik, I am a lazy baby – why do I have to take notes by hand? Aside from the fact that you are being required to do so, there are many benefits of taking notes by hand

13. Taking Notes By Hand • Copying and pasting IS NOT note taking • This creates more work for you later when you have to go back and reread all your pasted information • Forces you to determine what information is vital • Encourages you to paraphrase and summarize, which helps you to avoid plagiarism • Discourages you from including extraneous sources • Ensures you have access to your notes in the event that technology does not cooperate

14. Notes & Sources • You will be keeping detailed records of your sources • Each source will require a separate sheet of paper • Your notes must contain the proper MLA citation at the top of the page • Quotes are block indented • Commentary is aligned left • Use highlighters, symbols, different colored pens, etc. to label your notes according to your subtopics

15. Research Notes Example

16. Qualities of Good Notes • Legibility is key • You can’t use your notes if you can’t read them • Distinguish between fact, inference, and opinion • Resist using direct quotations unless there is good reason to write them out • The more quotations there are in your notes, the more likely it is that you will over-rely on them in your paper • Your own comments are important. Write them while you research so you can keep track of your insights. • Combine summary, paraphrase, quotation, and comments in any way that is workable for you. Just make sure to note what you have done to maintain accuracy.

17. Computer Usage • We will have use of the laptop cart for most of the research process. This time is very valuable. If you do not use it effectively, you will find yourself in a hole that will be difficult to emerge from. • You will be receiving a grade based on your ability to meet checkpoint dates. You will not receive a check if you are not finished by the checkpoint date. • Use of class time is an important component of your rubric.

18. Class Time Disclaimer While I will strive to give you adequate time to complete all elements of this project in class, it is likely that you will need to complete work outside of class as well. Prepare for this reality.

19. Time to get organized! • Organization is the key to success • Missing work = no grade • You will start today by filling out your checkpoint dates and thinking about your topic and thesis statement.

20. Important Dates • Wednesday, 4/8 – All sources due (end of class) • Friday, 4/10 – All notes due (end of class) • Monday, 4/13 – Detailed outline due (end of class) • Wednesday, 4/15 – Draft due (start of class) • Sunday, 4/19 – Final copy with Work Cited page submitted to turnitin.com • Monday, 4/20 – Folder due (hard copies); presentations

21. Devising a Research Question A research question guides and centers your research. It should be clear and focused, and require the use of multiple sources to answer. Be careful to avoid the “all-about” paper and questions that can be answered in a few factual statements.

22. The following question is too broad and does not define the segments of the analysis: • Why did the chicken cross the road? • The question does not address which chicken or which road. • Similarly, the following question could be answered by a single internet search: • How many chickens crossed Broad Street in Durham, NC, on February 6, 2014? • (Ostensibly, this question could be answered in one sentence and does not leave room for analysis. It could, however, become data for a larger argument.) • A more precise question might be the following: • What are some of the environmental factors that occurred in Durham, NC between January and February 2014 that would cause chickens to cross Broad Street? • This question can lead to the author taking a stand on which factors are significant, and allows the writer to argue to what degree the results are beneficial or detrimental.

23. Writing Your Own Question • Keep your subtopics in mind • Ask yourself the following questions • Is the research question something I/others care about? Is it arguable? • Is it too broad or too narrow? • Is the research question researchable within the given time frame and location?

24. Thesis Statements A declarative sentence that summarizes the point of view you will take in your paper

25. What a Thesis Statement IS • Limited • Unlimited: Modern medicine can extend human life. • Limited: Helping people live longer is not good if the patient’s quality of life is severely impacted. • Specific • Vague: Environmental issues are very important. • Specific: Destruction of fresh water, clean air, forests, and mineral resources will lead to necessary lifestyle changes in future generations. • A way to unify ideas within your paper • That’s why it is written first. It will keep you from straying to extraneous ideas.

26. What a Thesis Statement IS NOT • A promise or statement of purpose • Promise: In this paper I am going to show that opening the Olympics to both pro and amateur athletes was a good rule change. • Thesis: Because the maintaining pure amateurism in sports is beyond the ability of most competitors, changing the rules of the Olympics was a much needed revision. • A topic or subject by itself • Subject: Gourmet cooking • Thesis: The growing popularity of gourmet cooking reflects an increasingly affluent society that has the time and income to indulge in food preparation as a hobby. • A question cannot serve as a thesis

27. Most importantly, your thesis must pass the “so what?” test. Even if you are not writing a persuasive paper, you must be making an arguable point.Why is your innovation important or significant? How can you argue this?