GLEN RIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Curriculum Guide

 

 

 

 

Course Title:                                       RESEARCH 8 CYCLE

 

Subject:                                               Research and Library Skills

 

Grade Level:                                       8

 

Department/School:                          Library Media/Glen Ridge High School

 

Duration:                                            1 Cycle (Between 7 and 9 weeks)

 

Number of Credits:                             N/A

 

Prerequisite:                                       None

                                               

Elective or Required:                         N/A   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Author:  MaryLynn Savio

Date Submitted:  Summer 2007

Course Description

 

This class reinforces students’ understanding of the research process and their ability to prepare a research paper according to the standards that will be expected of them in the years ahead.  Students choose a thesis, use available resources to thoroughly research that thesis, organize and outline the information they find, take relevant notes to support their thesis, draft and revise a 3–5 page paper according to MLA guidelines.  These are skills that students will use again and again throughout their education.  Their experience and learning in this class can affect their ability to succeed in future classes and provides practice in self-management in planning for and executing long-term projects.  Personal responsibility for managing time, meeting deadlines, organizing materials and backing up files is stressed as is the need to paraphrase and give credit to sources to avoid plagiarism.

 

 

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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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 8 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:  LOCATING SOURCES AND PREPARING A WORKS CITED PAGE

 

NJCCCS:  8.1, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2 

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Brainstorm research topics, practice formulating thesis statements and choose a thesis statement to be the focus of their research project for this cycle.

2.      Use their knowledge of the Dewey Decimal System, Alexandria, the non-fiction and reference sections of the library to locate books and other print sources related to their chosen thesis statements.

3.      Apply search strategies while utilizing search engines, databases and other online search tools to locate credible web sites and other online sources relevant to their chosen thesis statements.

4.      Evaluate sources of information for relevance and credibility identifying at least three useful sources related to their chosen thesis statements.

5.      Record the required bibliographic information for sources to be used in their research paper; at least one must be a print source and at least one must be a computer source.

6.      Type a Works Cited page listing their sources; this page follows MLA style guidelines and each entry includes the required information and is properly formatted.

7.      Take a quiz which demonstrates their understanding of how to find print and online sources and how to prepare a Works Cited page according to MLA style guidelines.

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 2:  TAKING NOTES AND DEVELOPING AN OUTLINE

 

NJCCCS:  8.1, 3.2, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Develop an outline that demonstrates what they plan to include in their research paper to support their thesis and how they plan to structure their writing.

2.      Consider and decide what type of information they plan to include in the introduction, body and conclusion of their research paper.

3.      Practice paraphrasing and summarizing authors’ ideas putting them into their own words to avoid plagiarism.

4.      Skim sources and take notes, including support for each point on the outline and sufficient information to support the thesis and compose a 3-5 page typed paper.

5.      Practice incorporating direct quotations into written work and find at least one relevant direct quotation to include in their research paper.

6.      Record the necessary information on note cards to show the relationship of ideas to their outline and make clear the sources where information was found so they can include proper citations in their research paper.

7.      View a video about the purpose and proper formatting of an outline.

8.     Type an outline prepared according to MLA style which clearly demonstrates the intended content and structure of their research paper.

9.      Take a quiz which demonstrates their understanding of the proper formatting of an outline and the basics of MLA style guidelines.

10.  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:  3 weeks

 

 

UNIT 3:  PREPARING A DRAFT AND REVISING THE RESEARCH PAPER

 

NJCCCS:  8.1, 3.2, 3.5, 9.1, 9.2

 

Objectives:

During this unit, students will:

1.      Draft a research paper that uses facts from their sources to support their thesis.

2.      Incorporate parenthetical references into the body of their paper to indicate the sources.

3.      Type a 3 – 5 page research paper that follows all MLA style guidelines, plus a revised Works Cited page.

4.      Proofread to self-check and/or work in pairs to peer check drafts and consider revisions.

5.      Meet individually with the teacher to verify the proper documentation of sources used and to discuss ways to improve their final research paper.

6.      Make revisions to their draft based on the written and verbal feedback.

7.      View a video about the reasons behind plagiarism and the ways to successfully avoid it. 

8.      Take a quiz which demonstrates their understanding of the purpose and formatting of parenthetical references and the Works Cited page to cite sources and avoid plagiarism.

9.      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:  3 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 8

<http://www.glenridge.org/grhs/faculty/defontes/research8/index8.htm>.

 

·          Savio, MaryLynn. GRHS Research Tools.

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

 

Audio Visual:

·          Teacher's Video Company. Creating an Outline. Scottsdale, AZ: Teacher's Video Company, 1990.

 

·          Wetherington, Kevin, Ronald Greene, and Ellen Grassie. Plagiarism It's a Crime. Huntsville, TX: distributed by Educational Video Network, 2003.

 

Software:

·          Alexandria Researcher – Companion Corporation

 

·          Internet Explorer

 

·          Microsoft Word