GLEN RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Curriculum Guide

 

 

 

 

Course Title:                                       RESEARCH 7 CYCLE

 

Subject:                                               Research and Library Skills

 

Grade Level:                                       7

 

Department/School:                          Library Media/Glen Ridge High School

 

Duration:                                            1 Cycle (Between 4 and 7 weeks)

 

Number of Credits:                             N/A

 

Prerequisite:                                       None

                                               

Elective or Required:                         N/A   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author:  MaryLynn Savio

Date Submitted:  Summer 2007

 

Course Description

This course orients students to the print and online resources available in the GRHS Library Media Center and prepares them to use those sources effectively for academic pursuits and personal interests. Students are also introduced to the process of preparing a research paper according to the standard that will be expected of them throughout the years ahead.

 

GLEN RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

LIBRARY MEDIA PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Glen Ridge Public Schools library media program is to ensure that students and staff are effective users of ideas and information.  Our program also encourages our students to develop a passion for reading and provides the skills necessary for lifelong learning in our digital society.

 

 

Overall Goals of the

Library Media Program

 

Through direct instruction and reinforcement in collaborative projects students will:

 

§         Understand how library resources are organized and know how to access them;

 

§         Realize the value of books, computers and other library resources and will thus treat them with respect;

 

§         Develop an appreciation for books and a love of reading;

 

§         Be able to formulate queries and use library resources to find answers;

 

§         Know how to use the Internet and online research tools to find information;

 

§         Be prepared to use technology to present information in meaningful ways.

 

 

New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards

 

Research Cycle addresses the following New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards:

 

STANDARD 8.1:       COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY:  ALL STUDENTS WILL USE COMPUTER APPLICATIONS TO GATHER AND ORGANIZE INFORMATION AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.

 

STANDARD 3.2:       LANGUAGE ARTS (WRITING):  ALL STUDENTS WILL WRITE IN CLEAR, CONCISE, ORGANIZED LANGUAGE THAT VARIES IN CONTENT AND FORM FOR DIFFERENT AUDIENCES AND PURPOSES.

 

STANDARD 3.5:       LANGUAGE ARTS (VIEWING AND MEDIA LITERACY): ALL STUDENTS WILL ACCESS, VIEW, EVALUATE, AND RESPOND TO PRINT, NON-PRINT, AND ELECTRONIC TEXTS AND RESOURCES.

 

STANDARD 9.1:       CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION: ALL STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP CAREER AWARENESS AND PLANNING, EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS, AND FOUNDATIONAL KNOWLEDGE NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE.

 

STANDARD 9.2:       CONSUMER, FAMILY, AND LIFE SKILLS:  ALL STUDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE CRITICAL LIFE SKILLS IN ORDER TO BE FUNCTIONAL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.

 

Scope and Sequence

 

STANDARD 8.1 - COMPUTER AND INFORMATION LITERACY

 

Building upon knowledge gained in preceding grades and reinforcing skills required across the curriculum, Research 7 students will:

 

A.  Basic Computer Skills and Tools

  1. Use appropriate technology vocabulary.
  2. Use common features of an operating system (e.g., create and organize files and folders).
  3. Demonstrate effective input and access of text and data, using keyboard and the mouse.
  4. Create a multi-page document with citations using word processing software in conjunction with other tools that demonstrates the ability to format, edit, and print.
  5. Use network resources for storing and retrieving data.
  6. Choose appropriate electronic graphic organizers to create, construct, or design a document.

 

B. Application of Productivity Tools

 

Social Aspects

  1. Exhibit legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology, and discuss consequences of misuse.
  2. Explain the purpose of an Acceptable Use Policy and the consequences of inappropriate use of technology.
  3. Describe and practice safe Internet usage.
  4. Describe and practice "etiquette" when using the Internet.

 

Information Access and Research

5.       Choose appropriate tools and information resources to support research and solve real world problems, including but not limited to:

§                 On-line resources and databases

§                 Search engines and subject directories

  1. Evaluate information sources for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.

 

Problem Solving and Decision Making

7.       Use computer applications to modify information independently and/or collaboratively to solve problems.

 

 

STANDARD 3.2 - LANGUAGE ARTS (WRITING)

 

Building upon knowledge gained in preceding grades and reinforcing skills required across the curriculum, Research 7 students will:

 

A. Writing as a Process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, postwriting)

  1. Write multi-paragraph compositions that have clear topic development, logical organization, effective use of detail, and variety in sentence structure.
  2. Generate and narrow topics by considering purpose, audience, and form with a variety of strategies (e.g., graphic organizers, brainstorming, technology-assisted processes).
  3. Revise and edit drafts by rereading for content and organization, usage, sentence construction, mechanics, and word choice.
  4. Compose, revise, edit, and publish writing using appropriate word processing software.

 

B. Writing as a Product (resulting in a formal product or publication)

  1. Write reports and subject-appropriate nonfiction pieces across the curriculum based on research and including citations, quotations, and a works cited page.

 

C. Mechanics and Spelling

  1. Use Standard English conventions in all writing, such as sentence structure, grammar and usage, punctuation, capitalization, spelling.
  2. Use transition words to reinforce a logical progression of ideas.
  3. Edit writing for correct grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, and spelling.
  4. Use a variety of reference materials, such as a dictionary, thesaurus, grammar reference, and/or internet/software resources to edit written work.

 

D. Writing Forms, Audiences, and Purposes (exploring a variety of forms)

  1. Gather, select, and organize the most effective information appropriate to a topic, task, and audience.
  2. Write reports based on research and include citations, quotations, and works cited page.
  3. Choose an appropriate organizing strategy such as cause/effect, pro and con, parody, to effectively present a topic, point of view, or argument.

 

 

STANDARD 3.5 - LANGUAGE ARTS (VIEWING AND MEDIA LITERACY)

 

Building upon knowledge gained in preceding grades and reinforcing skills required across the curriculum, Research 7 students will:

 

A. Constructing Meaning

  1. Analyze aspects of print and electronic texts that support the author's point of view, opinion, or attitude.

 

B. Visual and Verbal Messages

  1. Evaluate various media messages for credibility.

 

C. Living with Media

  1. Create media presentations and written reports, using multi-media resources such as an overhead projector, computer, and/or a tape recorder to communicate information.

 

 

STANDARD 9.1 - CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

 

Building upon knowledge gained in preceding grades and reinforcing skills required across the curriculum, Research 7 students will:

 

A. Employability Skills

1.   Describe and demonstrate appropriate work habits and interpersonal skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

 

STANDARD 9.2 - CONSUMER, FAMILY, AND LIFE SKILLS

 

Building upon knowledge gained in preceding grades and reinforcing skills required across the curriculum, Research 7 students will:

 

A. Critical Thinking

  1. Recognize bias, vested interest, stereotyping, and the manipulation and misuse of information.

 

B. Self-Management

1.       Demonstrate responsibility for personal actions and contributions to group activities.

 

C. Interpersonal Communication

  1. Demonstrate respect and flexibility in interpersonal and group situations.
  2. Organize thoughts to reflect logical thinking and speaking.
  3. Work cooperatively with others to solve a problem.
  4. Demonstrate appropriate social skills within group activities.
  5. Participate as a member of a team and contribute to group effort.

 

D. Character Development and Ethics

  1. Describe and demonstrate appropriate character traits, social skills, and positive attitudes needed for the home, school, community, and workplace.

 

Curriculum Description

 

UNIT 1:  FINDING AND USING PRINT SOURCES

 

NJCCCS: 8.1, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Explore the different sections of the library and participate in games requiring basic knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System.

2.      Practice using the Alexandria Researcher library database to find books available in our school library.

3.      Practice using the BCCLs web page to find books available through the public library. 

4.      Compete in teams to find requested information in encyclopedias and other specified reference books.

5.      Use their MLA Guides to document bibliographic information for given print sources.

6.      Take a quiz which demonstrates their understanding of how to find and use print sources.

7.      Be held accountable for meeting personal responsibilities including having necessary supplies, meeting deadlines, making effective use of class time, backing up files, etc.

 

Approximate duration:  2 weeks

 

 

UNIT 2:  FINDING AND USING ONLINE SOURCES

 

NJCCCS:  8.1, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Explore the basic features of the popular search engine Google.

2.      View a video that presents alternative search strategies (Boolean operators, phrases searches, wildcards, etc.)

3.      Practice using search engines and employing search strategies to answer given questions and find requested information.

4.      Visit specified websites and evaluate their credibility based on a given set of criteria.

5.      Practice using WorldBook Online, EBSCOhost and other databases to find requested information.

6.      Use their MLA Guides to document bibliographic information for given online sources.

7.      Take a quiz which demonstrates their understanding of how to find and use online sources.

8.      Be held accountable for meeting personal responsibilities including having necessary supplies, meeting deadlines, making effective use of class time, backing up files, etc.

 

Approximate duration:  2 weeks

 

 

UNIT 3:  PREPARING ASSIGNMENTS ACCORDING TO MLA STYLE

 

NJCCCS:  8.1, 3.2, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Prepare a properly formatted Works Cited page listing ten given sources.

2.      Attempt to support a given thesis by finding relevant information and taking notes which paraphrase sources (books, magazine article, websites, etc.) given to them on an assigned topic.

3.      View a video about the purpose of parenthetical references and how they should be used to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.

4.      Demonstrate their understanding of MLA formatting guidelines using notes by composing a 1-2 page research paper on an assigned thesis which follows the given outline and uses parenthetical references to cite sources.

5.      Work in pairs to review their drafts using an assigned checklist and make revisions as necessary to their research papers.

6.      Be held accountable for meeting personal responsibilities including having necessary supplies, meeting deadlines, making effective use of class time, backing up files, etc.

 

Approximate duration:  2 weeks
Lists of texts, resources, and/or literature:

 

Print:

·          Trimmer, Joseph F. A Guide to MLA Documentation Style. 7th ed. Boston: McDougal

Littel, 2006.

 

·          Savio, MaryLynn. Unit 1, Unit 2 & Unit 3 Workbooks and other related class handouts

 

Web Pages:

·          Savio, MaryLynn. GRHS MLA Style.

<http://www.glenridge.org/grhs/faculty/defontes/mlastyle/mlaindex.html>.

 

·          Savio, MaryLynn. GRHS Research 7.

<http://www.glenridge.org/grhs/faculty/defontes/research7/index7.htm>.

 

·          Savio, MaryLynn. GRHS Research Tools.

<http://www.glenridge.org/grhs/faculty/defontes/researchtools/toolsindex.htm>.

 

Audio Visual:

·          Mondale, Eleanor. Internet Searching Skills. Wynnewood, PA: Schlessinger Media,

1998.

·          Teacher's Video Company. Correct Citations & Works Cited Page. Scottsdale, AZ: Teacher's Video Co, 2000.

Software:

·          Alexandria Researcher – Companion Corporation

 

·          Internet Explorer

 

·          Microsoft Word