Research Paper Rubric
The “A” paper will contain the following:
The literature review is thorough, unbiased and well written. A variety of sources were used and the review is well organized and well cited.
Methods section: The method is clearly stated and followed. The reader has a firm grasp of what it is the paper seeks to accomplish
The Data/Findings section has relevant data, which is well explained and supported. Charts and graphs are used to enhance the readers understanding of the topic.
The Data is driven in large part by the literature review and is consistent with the research method.
Conclusion: The paper is soundly concluded. The literature review, methods and data are all tied together leaving the reader with few questions regarding the outcome of your research.
A bibliography is included that is properly cited in either MLA or APA format.
-
The paper has minimal grammar errors and contains an abstract and a separate title page.
The author(s) name appears on the back of the bibliography.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Honors Research assignment guidelines
Senior Project Guidelines: 2008-09
Honors
Your first task is to select a national, global, or state topic that is of interest to you. Ideally, the topic should be some form of societal problem or topic that lends itself to an intensive study.
Your second task is to select a general research model that you wish to utilize. You will further develop your own research method but this model will provide you with some basic guidelines.
Written Requirement: All projects must include a 20-25 page paper that is made up of six parts.
Abstract: In one paragraph summarize what you studied and what your findings were. This should be done in italics with 11 font to distinguish it from the rest of your paper. If another reader were looking for sources on your topic, your abstract should give them a good idea as to whether or not your paper would be good source or not. This also could serve as an annotated bibliography of your paper.
Literature Review- In this section of your paper you will present some of the leading authorities on your topic. You should attempt to present the scholarly debate that is taking place by presenting all sides of the debate. Do not be persuasive in this section. You are simply informing the reader of past research done in this area. A minimum of 10 sources is required for this section. 5-7 pages
Methodology: In this section you will describe your method of study. You are basically telling your reader what information you will be using and how you are going to use that information. 1-3 pages
Data Section: In this section you will present your data. You will not present all of your data but rather only data that is useful for the support or non-support of your hypothesis. You will discuss the relationships (or lack of) between the variables you have studied.5-7 pages
Findings Section: In this section you will discuss what you have found in the data as well as presenting your solutions, typologies or final analysis of the topic. You do not need to title this section as “Findings.” You should title it appropriately as “solutions,” “analysis” or whatever you decide to do. 5-10 pages
Conclusion- In this section you should restate you thesis statement and generally summarize your findings.
Presentations: Each student/pair will present their topics to the class in a 30-40 minute presentation via power-point or other multi-media program. You should not try to present your entire paper but should attempt to present your data, and your findings.
Students should dress professionally and their presentations should be attractive but not distracting. You should be prepared to defend your findings as your teachers and classmates will ask questions. Students not able to defend their positions or who cannot answer general questions regarding their topic will see their grades reduced
Select one of the following research models to use for your project. I will meet with you individually to further define your research methods.
#1- Problem Solving: Students opting for this research model will select a topic that is considered by them to be a societal problem. You must first provide evidence (this is done with data) to prove that the problem exists.
You must then develop three solutions to your selected problem. They must be original and thoroughly supported with data. Each solution must be different from the others but you may build upon each solution if you wish. Set your goals high but also be realistic in developing your solutions. More than likely you will not be able to eradicate your problem but you can make a significant impact. For example, if obesity is your selected problem and the highest obesity rates are amongst minority children ages 4-12, then you may wish to target that group with one of your solutions.
You must also discuss the implementation of your solutions. Does a state or federal law need to be passed, how will your program be funded and where will the funding come from? If you are going to tax fast food, you had better be able to forecast how much your tax will generate. The bottom line is you must think critically and cover every base with the problem-solving model. Your grade will be based on how well you have supported the existence of the problem and the depth of development and support for each solution.
#2- Comparative Research- Students opting for this research model will make a comparative study of three or more items/issues. Examples of this could be the drug policies of three different countries or school funding from three different states. You should develop a hypothesis and attempt to prove or disprove the hypothesis with your research. Be sure to select a topic that has available data. Students selecting this model will be required to submit a research design that will serve as an outline for their research. Students can go many routes with this option. They can do a basic comparative study or develop typologies with this option. Students will be graded on how thoroughly they have researched the topic and the impact their study could possibly have in a given subject area.
#3 Program/Policy Analysis: Students opting for this research model must select and evaluate a particular program or policy in the United States. Students must be critical in their analysis and attempt to find relationships between variables that prove or disprove the policy’s effectiveness. Based on your findings you should be prepared to offer amendments to the policy that would eliminate the deficiencies that you have discovered. If you discover eight flaws in the program, you should present eight amendments or solutions to the program.
This grade is roughly 90% of your 4th quarter grade. The last 5-6 weeks of school will be spent viewing one another’s presentations. Students will be asked to blog responses to the presentations and are encouraged to engage in constructive debate of one another’s presentations/findings.
Honors
Your first task is to select a national, global, or state topic that is of interest to you. Ideally, the topic should be some form of societal problem or topic that lends itself to an intensive study.
Your second task is to select a general research model that you wish to utilize. You will further develop your own research method but this model will provide you with some basic guidelines.
Written Requirement: All projects must include a 20-25 page paper that is made up of six parts.
Abstract: In one paragraph summarize what you studied and what your findings were. This should be done in italics with 11 font to distinguish it from the rest of your paper. If another reader were looking for sources on your topic, your abstract should give them a good idea as to whether or not your paper would be good source or not. This also could serve as an annotated bibliography of your paper.
Literature Review- In this section of your paper you will present some of the leading authorities on your topic. You should attempt to present the scholarly debate that is taking place by presenting all sides of the debate. Do not be persuasive in this section. You are simply informing the reader of past research done in this area. A minimum of 10 sources is required for this section. 5-7 pages
Methodology: In this section you will describe your method of study. You are basically telling your reader what information you will be using and how you are going to use that information. 1-3 pages
Data Section: In this section you will present your data. You will not present all of your data but rather only data that is useful for the support or non-support of your hypothesis. You will discuss the relationships (or lack of) between the variables you have studied.5-7 pages
Findings Section: In this section you will discuss what you have found in the data as well as presenting your solutions, typologies or final analysis of the topic. You do not need to title this section as “Findings.” You should title it appropriately as “solutions,” “analysis” or whatever you decide to do. 5-10 pages
Conclusion- In this section you should restate you thesis statement and generally summarize your findings.
Presentations: Each student/pair will present their topics to the class in a 30-40 minute presentation via power-point or other multi-media program. You should not try to present your entire paper but should attempt to present your data, and your findings.
Students should dress professionally and their presentations should be attractive but not distracting. You should be prepared to defend your findings as your teachers and classmates will ask questions. Students not able to defend their positions or who cannot answer general questions regarding their topic will see their grades reduced
Select one of the following research models to use for your project. I will meet with you individually to further define your research methods.
#1- Problem Solving: Students opting for this research model will select a topic that is considered by them to be a societal problem. You must first provide evidence (this is done with data) to prove that the problem exists.
You must then develop three solutions to your selected problem. They must be original and thoroughly supported with data. Each solution must be different from the others but you may build upon each solution if you wish. Set your goals high but also be realistic in developing your solutions. More than likely you will not be able to eradicate your problem but you can make a significant impact. For example, if obesity is your selected problem and the highest obesity rates are amongst minority children ages 4-12, then you may wish to target that group with one of your solutions.
You must also discuss the implementation of your solutions. Does a state or federal law need to be passed, how will your program be funded and where will the funding come from? If you are going to tax fast food, you had better be able to forecast how much your tax will generate. The bottom line is you must think critically and cover every base with the problem-solving model. Your grade will be based on how well you have supported the existence of the problem and the depth of development and support for each solution.
#2- Comparative Research- Students opting for this research model will make a comparative study of three or more items/issues. Examples of this could be the drug policies of three different countries or school funding from three different states. You should develop a hypothesis and attempt to prove or disprove the hypothesis with your research. Be sure to select a topic that has available data. Students selecting this model will be required to submit a research design that will serve as an outline for their research. Students can go many routes with this option. They can do a basic comparative study or develop typologies with this option. Students will be graded on how thoroughly they have researched the topic and the impact their study could possibly have in a given subject area.
#3 Program/Policy Analysis: Students opting for this research model must select and evaluate a particular program or policy in the United States. Students must be critical in their analysis and attempt to find relationships between variables that prove or disprove the policy’s effectiveness. Based on your findings you should be prepared to offer amendments to the policy that would eliminate the deficiencies that you have discovered. If you discover eight flaws in the program, you should present eight amendments or solutions to the program.
This grade is roughly 90% of your 4th quarter grade. The last 5-6 weeks of school will be spent viewing one another’s presentations. Students will be asked to blog responses to the presentations and are encouraged to engage in constructive debate of one another’s presentations/findings.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
History in Film Assignment: The trial of tears- Due 3/18
Due 3/18- 50 points
Link to the site below and read some of the fist hand accounts of the trail of tears. In a short essay (1-2 pages) discuss the experiences of those that traveled on the trail of tears. Using a secondary source, introduce your reader to the trail of tears. Devote the remainder of your paper to addressing life on the trial based on the first hand accounts of those that were there.
Be sure to include a thesis statement in your essay and support your thesis statement throughout your paper.
In your paper be sure to address: (1) The removal process
(2) The conditions on the trail including food shelter etc.
(3) The family unit
You paper is to be word processed and double spaced. Grades will be based on:
-A sound thesis statement
-Support of the thesis statement throughout by addressing the three subject requirements
-Grammar and punctuation
http://www.anpa.ualr.edu/digital_library/indianvoices/indianvoices.htm
Link to the site below and read some of the fist hand accounts of the trail of tears. In a short essay (1-2 pages) discuss the experiences of those that traveled on the trail of tears. Using a secondary source, introduce your reader to the trail of tears. Devote the remainder of your paper to addressing life on the trial based on the first hand accounts of those that were there.
Be sure to include a thesis statement in your essay and support your thesis statement throughout your paper.
In your paper be sure to address: (1) The removal process
(2) The conditions on the trail including food shelter etc.
(3) The family unit
You paper is to be word processed and double spaced. Grades will be based on:
-A sound thesis statement
-Support of the thesis statement throughout by addressing the three subject requirements
-Grammar and punctuation
http://www.anpa.ualr.edu/digital_library/indianvoices/indianvoices.htm
Friday, February 6, 2009
Russell Township Trustee Meeting Dates
All Russell Township Trustee meetings take place at 7:00 pm at the Russell fire dept on the corner of 87 and 306. Call prior to attending to make sure the time or date has not changed. (440) 338-8912 http://www.twp.russell.oh.us/Pages/schedule.html
3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 5/6, 5/20
3/4, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15, 5/6, 5/20
Chesterland Township Trustee Meetings
All Chesterland Township Trusett meetings take place in the town hall building at 7:00 pm Each Thursday night. Please call the town hall before attending to make sure the date has not been changed for some reason. (440) 729-7058
Remaining Dates: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26
4/4, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
Visit the township website for a meeting agena and to confirm the dates http://www.chestertwp.net/
Remaining Dates: 3/12, 3/19, 3/26
4/4, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23, 4/30
5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28
Visit the township website for a meeting agena and to confirm the dates http://www.chestertwp.net/
Board of Education Meetings
February 9 August 24
March 9 September 14
March 23 September 28
April 27 October 12
May 18 October 26
June 8 November 16
June 22 December 14
All meetings are scheduled for Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Middle School Conference Area
March 9 September 14
March 23 September 28
April 27 October 12
May 18 October 26
June 8 November 16
June 22 December 14
All meetings are scheduled for Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Middle School Conference Area
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Court Presentation Guidelines
The following is a short rubric for your presentations:
1. Correctly identify the constitutional question.
2. Correctly identify the compelling government interest.
3. Show is visually appealing and informative- information is broken down and the slides are not full of text.
4. Court language is present that helps us to understand the mindset of the court.
5. Test or precedent is correctly identified.
1. Correctly identify the constitutional question.
2. Correctly identify the compelling government interest.
3. Show is visually appealing and informative- information is broken down and the slides are not full of text.
4. Court language is present that helps us to understand the mindset of the court.
5. Test or precedent is correctly identified.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
History in Film: Plunkitt of Tammany Hall
Use this link to access the full text version of "Plunkitt of Tammany Hall" as told by Willaim Riordaon in 1905.http://gutenberg.readingroo.ms/2/8/1/2810/2810.txt Please read the text and answer the following questions regarding honest and dishonest "graft."
1. What, according to Plunkitt, is the difference between "honest" and "dishonest" graft?
2. Do you agree that a distinction should be made?
3. Is Plunkitt justified in making his argument?
4. What is Plunkitt's opinion of the civil service exam?
Please turn these question in on Tuesday Feb 3rd.
1. What, according to Plunkitt, is the difference between "honest" and "dishonest" graft?
2. Do you agree that a distinction should be made?
3. Is Plunkitt justified in making his argument?
4. What is Plunkitt's opinion of the civil service exam?
Please turn these question in on Tuesday Feb 3rd.
Friday, December 19, 2008
midterm review
American Issues Midterm Review
Know the historical significance/position/party of the following people: Thurgood Marshall, William Rehnquist, Sandra Day O’Connor, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Byrd, George Voinovich, Sherrod Brown, Steven LaTourette Geraldine Ferraro., Howard Dean., Dick Cheney, Gerald Ford, Nelson Rockefellor, Ross Perot.
Know all 9 current Supreme Court members
Identify the Chief Justice.
The role of the states in the redistricting process.
The role of the Census Bureau in the redistricting process
The role of the party in the redistricting process
Leadership structure in the House and Senate- No names beyond Speaker of the House and President Pro-Tempore.
Basic powers of congress
Significance of the election of 1800 and 1796
The 12th, 22nd and 25th Amendments.
Role of the states in the Electoral college- Winner take all etc.
Criticisms of the Electoral College
Benefits of the Electoral College
Proposed solutions to the Electoral College
Role of the states in the primary election
Super Tuesday
Iowa Caucus
New Hampshire Primary
Types of party systems
Types of minor parties
Barriers to 3rd party success
Theories on the origins of government
Requirements to be a “state”
Know the historical significance/position/party of the following people: Thurgood Marshall, William Rehnquist, Sandra Day O’Connor, Nancy Pelosi, Robert Byrd, George Voinovich, Sherrod Brown, Steven LaTourette Geraldine Ferraro., Howard Dean., Dick Cheney, Gerald Ford, Nelson Rockefellor, Ross Perot.
Know all 9 current Supreme Court members
Identify the Chief Justice.
The role of the states in the redistricting process.
The role of the Census Bureau in the redistricting process
The role of the party in the redistricting process
Leadership structure in the House and Senate- No names beyond Speaker of the House and President Pro-Tempore.
Basic powers of congress
Significance of the election of 1800 and 1796
The 12th, 22nd and 25th Amendments.
Role of the states in the Electoral college- Winner take all etc.
Criticisms of the Electoral College
Benefits of the Electoral College
Proposed solutions to the Electoral College
Role of the states in the primary election
Super Tuesday
Iowa Caucus
New Hampshire Primary
Types of party systems
Types of minor parties
Barriers to 3rd party success
Theories on the origins of government
Requirements to be a “state”
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
History in Film: Gattaca
Gattaca
Essay should be roughly 3 pages double spaced and contain an opening paragraph with a thesis statement. Due 12/12/08
Select one of the two following options:
1. The caption of the movie reads: "There Is No Gene for The Human Spirit". Describe what this means in the context of Vincent's struggle to overcome his perceived genetic disadvantages. Is nature (DNA) more important than nurture (home environment) in determining whether a person will be successful or not. Defend you answer.
2. Genetic screening for some diseases already exists - children are tested for many diseases at birth. It is conceivable that the number and scope of testing of newborns may broaden in the future. Do you think that newborns should be tested for other traits, such as alcoholism, heart problems, or even intelligence? If tests can be performed on a newborn or even an adult, who has the right to your genetic information - do employers, do spouses, and do insurance companies have the right to your profile. Defend your position.
Essay should be roughly 3 pages double spaced and contain an opening paragraph with a thesis statement. Due 12/12/08
Select one of the two following options:
1. The caption of the movie reads: "There Is No Gene for The Human Spirit". Describe what this means in the context of Vincent's struggle to overcome his perceived genetic disadvantages. Is nature (DNA) more important than nurture (home environment) in determining whether a person will be successful or not. Defend you answer.
2. Genetic screening for some diseases already exists - children are tested for many diseases at birth. It is conceivable that the number and scope of testing of newborns may broaden in the future. Do you think that newborns should be tested for other traits, such as alcoholism, heart problems, or even intelligence? If tests can be performed on a newborn or even an adult, who has the right to your genetic information - do employers, do spouses, and do insurance companies have the right to your profile. Defend your position.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
American Issues Honors Assignment: Due 10/10.
Go to Realclearpolitics.com and read two articles: "Wall Street 101 and O'bama's temperament proves the right stuff."
How does each of these articles deal with the underlying issue of "class war" and how may it affect this presidential election?
How does each of these articles deal with the underlying issue of "class war" and how may it affect this presidential election?
American Isues Assignment: Not Honors
Due: October 24th- Historical Outline of your social issue.
Each group must complete an outline regarding the history of their topic. Included in the outline should be at least:
4 relevant laws or other legislative acts pertaining to your issue -Past to present
A discussion of social movements associated with your topic no matter how small
A review of at least 4 Supreme Court cases related to your topic.
Please word process your outline. The more detailed your outline the better.
You can find past and present legislation at the U.S. House of Representatives web site at www. house.gov/ and use the "thomas search" engine.
Findlaw.com has a good database of Supreme Court decisions. Make sure you specifify "supreme court" decisions in the search bar.
Each group must complete an outline regarding the history of their topic. Included in the outline should be at least:
4 relevant laws or other legislative acts pertaining to your issue -Past to present
A discussion of social movements associated with your topic no matter how small
A review of at least 4 Supreme Court cases related to your topic.
Please word process your outline. The more detailed your outline the better.
You can find past and present legislation at the U.S. House of Representatives web site at www. house.gov/ and use the "thomas search" engine.
Findlaw.com has a good database of Supreme Court decisions. Make sure you specifify "supreme court" decisions in the search bar.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
History in Film paper requirements
Each of you needs to complete two papers by the semesters end that pertains to one of the sections the course is broken down. You can find your paper prompt in your syllabus under the appropriate section. Remember; you must have one completed by the end of the quarter.
Paper Requirements:
Each paper must be at least 5-7 pages double spaced. Please boldface your thesis statement and organize your paper to support your thesis. You must use at least 3 primary sources for your paper. Please include a bibliography with your paper. Please make every effort to address the paper prompt and not ramble about something not relevant to the topic.
Paper Requirements:
Each paper must be at least 5-7 pages double spaced. Please boldface your thesis statement and organize your paper to support your thesis. You must use at least 3 primary sources for your paper. Please include a bibliography with your paper. Please make every effort to address the paper prompt and not ramble about something not relevant to the topic.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
History in Film
If you were a soldier during the Vietnam War, would you be more likely to follow Sgt Barnes, or Sgt Ellias? Explain you answer. Also, do you feel that Charlie Sheens character was justified in "Fraggin" (killing) Sgt Barnes? Explain your answer.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Inclass assignment on 9/12
If you were absent from class on 9/12 (Friday) we had an inclass assignment. Please see me to get the assignment.
Square State Due 9/18
A note on square state. You will only be able to make 16 republican districts max.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
American Issues Honors: Classifying govts
Due 9/10
Classify your assigned sovereign state by determing its type (unitary or federal) and style (presidential or parliamentary). Also discuss the type of democracy (if any) found in your state. Be sure to support your findings and use only that country's constitution as a resource.
2-4 pages double spaced/word processed.
Include a thesis statement and address only the requirements of the paper.
Please post questions on the blog if you wish.
Classify your assigned sovereign state by determing its type (unitary or federal) and style (presidential or parliamentary). Also discuss the type of democracy (if any) found in your state. Be sure to support your findings and use only that country's constitution as a resource.
2-4 pages double spaced/word processed.
Include a thesis statement and address only the requirements of the paper.
Please post questions on the blog if you wish.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
