TWO Research Source Log for Book Source due April 11, 2012

TWO Research Source Logs for Book Source

COPY AND PASTE THIS TO YOUR BLOG TWICE AND FILL OUT THE ANSWERS BY Wednesday April 11, 2012.

Title of the Book (in italics when typed, underlined when written)  Ex: Twilight
Author(s) or Editor Ex: Stephanie Meyer
Publisher  Ex: Little, Brown and Company
Year of Publication  Ex: 2003
City of Publication Ex: New York
Mode of Access (Print if you read the actual book, Electronic if you found it online, or through your kindle/nook/ereader): Ex: Print
Eddition if indicated:

FIVE FACTS FROM THE SOURCE (Embedded): EX: After having known Edward for just a few short months, Bella admits that “it would cause [her] physical pain to be separated from him now" (Meyer 283).

Summary of Source (Three-Four Sentences of the Who, What, Where, Why, and How in your own words. NO OPINION):

EX: Twilight follows the life of Bella Swan, outcast and wallflower, as she moves from her home in Arizona to Forks. Here she meets, falls in love with, and risks her life for a vampire named Edward. Throughout the story, Edward places her life in danger, and she continually latches onto him. It ends with Edward almost killing her in an attempt to save her life from the danger of another vampire.


Credibility of Source:
Author or Editor: Who is the author? What training have they had? If there is no author, examine the editor.


EX for Author: This is the first book that Stephanie Meyer has written, and according to many interviews given, she claims it is a reflection of her own life growing up, and of "vivid dreams" she has.

Attachment: Does the author or editor have anything to gain from writing this, or is it simply informative?


EX: The book was written for entertainment value, and meant to garner a profit.


Bias: Do you detect a bias (a favoring of either side) in the author's writing?

EX: The author is clearly biased toward Bella's love of Edward, as she wrote the book.


References: Does the author cite references in the writing? If so, do these add or take away from the credibility?

EX: There are no references, as this is a work of fiction.

Use of Source: How will you use this source in your project?

EX: I plan to use this source as a primary reference, and apply psychology to different quotes within the text, bringing out the ridiculousness of Bella's attachment to a vampire.

Final Two Online Sources - Due February 16, 2012

Find the final two online sources and repeat the research chart. Post both sources to your blog by Thursday February 16, 2012.
BY FEBRUARY 16, YOU MUST HAVE 5 ONLINE SOURCES.

The chart can be found in this post:

Senior Project Online Source Log

When doing research...

When you're doing your research, keep in mind that the research paper will be made up of the following components:

• Introduction
• 1st page
• hook
• give a brief overview of the problem
• clearly state your thesis
• History of the problem
• 2 pages
• at least 2 sources cited
• discuss the origin of the problem and how it has changed
• Opposing views
• 1 page
• at least 1 source cited
• can be switched in order with your stance, or blended together
• give information on those who think differently than you on the subject
• refute the information
• Your stance
• 2 pages
• at least 2 sources cited
• can be switched in order with opposing views, or blended together
• where you stand on the subject and why
• Solution
• 1 page
• at least 1 source cited
• describe how we can begin to solve this problem
• Conclusion
• one paragraph
• restatement of thesis
• lasting effects on the world if problem goes unaddressed

Make sure that you're choosing quotes and evidence that can support one of these four areas.

Senior Project Online Sources - Due February 9, 2012

Find two more online sources and repeat the research chart. Post both sources to your blog by February 9, 2012.

The chart can be found in this post:

Senior Project Online Source Log

Senior Project Interview Information - Due March 7, 2012

SENIOR PROJECT INTERVIEW - DUE MARCH 7, 2012


As part of your Senior Project, you must interview someone who is connected to your essential question in some way. This can be someone who works within the profession that you're investigating, runs an organization that deals with your topic, or has been personally affected by your topic in some way (i.e., someone who has had cancer if your topic is the negative effects of cancer).

Interview requirements:

• Identify a person to interview
• Start with a list of people outside of your family you already know - neighbors, co-workers, supervisors, friends of the family. Professional organizations, organizational directories, and the Yellow Pages are good sources. You may contact an organization, school, or business directly and ask for the name of a person who would be willing to be interviewed.
• Arrange the interview.
• Once you have identified the person you wish to interview, you must contact them to set up an appointment. Make sure you clarify your purpose to the person you will be interviewing. You can make this contact:
• By telephone.
• By letter, followed by a telephone call
• In person
• By having someone who knows the person make the appointment for you.
• Prepare for the interview.
• Gather as much information as you can about this person before you conduct the interview. Prepare a list of questions that will help guide your research paper, as you will be using this as a source.
• Conduct the interview.
• Dress appropriately, arrive on time, and be polite and professional.
• Be prepared to spend a minimum of 20-30 minutes with your interviewee. Average 10-20 questions.
• Let the person know that you will be referencing this information in a documented paper and an oral presentation.
• If you hope to use a tape recorder, be sure to ask permission first.
• Take notes (even if you are taping).
• HAVE YOUR INTERVIEWEE PRINT AND SIGN THEIR NAME ON YOUR NOTES.
• Follow-up with the interviewee.
• Immediately following the interview, record the information gathered.
• Within a week, be sure to send a thank you note to the person you interviewed.
• POST YOUR QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON YOUR BLOG, BUT ALSO TURN IN YOUR NOTES TO MS. GRANDCHAMP.

Sample Questions:

1. What does this topic mean to you?
2. How are you connected to this topic?
3. Do you have first-hand experience with the topic?
4. How long have you been connected with/affected by this topic?
5. Do you think this is a serious problem, or something that can be put off?
6. What are your thoughts on how to improve the problem?
7. What are your thoughts on the opposing views?

Senior Project Pathfinder

Hello students!

As you do your research, feel free to use this pathfinder put together by our very own library staff found at The Library Website.

The one that you may find most beneficial is:

World History_Social Problems_ Issues and Welfare.doc

There are others, however, on teen pregnancy and bullying that some of you may wish to use!

Senior Project Online Source - Due Wednesday February 1, 2012

Research Source Log for Online Source

COPY AND PASTE THIS TO YOUR BLOG AND FILL OUT THE ANSWERS BY WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 1, 2012.

“Specific Page Title or Article Title”  Ex: “Twilight: A negative influence on teens or just harmless fun?”
Primary Contributor to the Website (if given) (author, editor, producer, etc) Ex: POV
Title of the Entire Website (not www. )  Ex: CBC News
Publisher or Sponsoring Organization of the website (if given) Ex: CBC
Date Page was Last Revised Ex: 10 September 2010
Date You Read It Ex: 21 January 2012
<URL address> (ALL of it) Ex: < http://www.cbc.ca/news/pointofview/2010/09/twilight-is-a-negative-influence-on-teens-or-just-harmless-fun.html>

FIVE FACTS FROM THE SOURCE (Embedded): EX: The article cites Maria Nikolajeva, a professor of at Cambridge, as saying that Bella does not "in any way promote independent thinking or personal development" in women, instead portraying a woman "meek and willing to do anything for her vampire boyfriend" (POV).

Summary of Source (Three-Four Sentences of the Who, What, Where, Why, and How in your own words. NO OPINION):

EX: POV brings together information from a Cambridge conference in which professors of literature examine Twilight's effect on teenagers. Many of the sources cited talk about the negative affect on women that the books have had.  The writer then turns around and asks the reader to take a poll, which is noted as not being scientific, to see what the general populance thinks on this issue.

Credibility of Source:
Author or Site: Who is the author? What training have they had? If there is no author, examine the site. What is the purpose of the site? Who funds the site?

EX for Author: POV is simply a penname for an anonymous author. It stands for Point of View, and the majority of the articles written on the news cite are simply there to ask the opinion of the reader, and rehash someone else's research.

EX for Site: CBC News is one of the main news associations in Canada, and the purpose seems to be to bring the news to the people. The articles are meant to inspire discussion, not so much force an opinion.

Attachment: Does the author or site have anything to gain from writing this, or is it simply informative? For example, is it a cigarette business posting an article about the benefit of cigarettes, or is it a scientific community unaffiliated with the cigarette business?

EX: Other than keeping a job with the Canadian News, it seems the variety of articles displays a lack of attachment.

Bias: Do you detect a bias (a favoring of either side) in the author's writing?

EX: There is a slight bias in the fact that only the negative effects of Twilight are mentioned, not the positive.

References: Does the author cite references in the writing? If so, do these add or take away from the credibility?

EX: The author uses Cambridge professors in his/her argument, making it stronger, as they are professors of literature.

Use of Source: How will you use this source in your project?

EX: I plan to use this source to support my opinion that Twilight has a negative effect on teenagers, and also use it as a jumping off point for other sources, as it has a link to an MSNBC article about this issue.

Senior Project Proposal - Due January 11, 2012

Assignment: Copy and paste this template to your blog. Answer each question in COMPLETE SENTENCES.

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

What do you already know about this subject?

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

                                                                                                                                                

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

Example:

Senior Project Proposal

Proposed Topic in the form of an  Essential Question:

 Are books such as Twilight damaging social relationships and expectations for life in teenagers?

Rationale for Choice

What about this topic appeals to you? Why did you choose it?

 After reading all four of the Twilight books I found myself disgusted by the subject matter and the lack of consequences for the main character. I saw the national obsession with these books, and began to wonder if a book could have any real impact on society, such as changing the way women view men?

What do you already know about this subject?

 I have read all of the books and have my own solid opinions. I've also read a few news articles about Twilight, both positive and negative.

What are you hoping to learn about the subject?

 I would like to learn if a book can truly affect society. Is there any research that has been done on Twilight? If so, is it a positive or negative effect?

What are you most interested in regarding the topic?

 I would like to see if there are any others out there who share in my opinion regarding the books. I know they are nationally loved, but I cannot be alone in my anger at them. 

What potential risks or challenges do you foresee for your project?

 What if there is no research? How will I change my topic? Also, will I be able to find something viable to do for my community service/field work? Perhaps I can work at a library for a day.

Beginning the Process - What should I choose for my topic?

 

Sample Subjects for Senior Project

Environmental

• Earthquake preparedness/disasters
• Fire preparedness/disasters
• Pollution
• Population Pressures
• Industrial Impact
• Human Impact
• Urbanization and Housing
• Epidemics

Problems of Hierarchy

• Economic Inequality
• Sexism
• Racism
• Ageism
• Separation of Church and State

Problems of Violence

• War and Terrorism
• Effects on Those that Serve and/or Their Families
• Familial
• Non-Familial

Intolerance

• Civil Rights Issues
• Drug Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Prostitution
• HIV/AIDS
• Religious Issues
• Cancer

Cultural

• Music’s Effects on Society (Pick a Genre)
• Lack of Musical Programs in Schools
• Art’s Effect on Terminally Ill Patients

_________________________________________________________________________

After reading through the list of sample subjects for your senior project, do any of them stand out to you? Is there one that you can add to the list that appeals to you?

Assignment: In your blog, I would like you to write FIVE "I believe" statements that will help flush out an idea for you. Once you have finished writing the five statements, choose one that stands out most to you and write SEVEN sentences explaining why you believe this.

*Even if you feel you already know what you want to write about, go through this process as it is always nice to have backups.

Example:

1. I believe that all sexual orientations should have the same rights under our government.
2. I believe that technology is lessening student ability to think and remember on their own.
3. I believe that television shows like "Teen Mom" glamorize teen pregnancy, and need to show a more realistic (and less fame-making) view on the subject.
4. I believe that a study of literature from the past can enlighten our future.
5. I believe books such as Twilight send unhealthy messages to teens.


5. Literature can be an escape from the reality of the world. Fiction, by its name, is made-up, not real, not factual. It is a simple reflection of imagination that is meant to entertain and inspire thought. Despite this, literature can be damaging to a person's psyche if they allow it to take over their world. When a book becomes more than a piece of fiction, and tips over into the realm of obsession, it can set unrealistic expectations for relationships, for consequences, and for life. One such book is Twilight, in which the main character falls in love with a vampire (yes, one who has EATEN PEOPLE), and risks everything to be with him. During her journey, Bella goes through major depression, toys with another young man, willingly risks losing her family to be with a boy, gets married at the too-young age of 19, and ends up sparkling. Either young adults need to realize just what Fiction is, or they need to find a better source for their obsession (like Harry Potter).

Step One: Create Your Blog

Hello Seniors,

The first step to beginning the Senior Project process is to create your blog. The blog will serve as a place for you to do prewriting, record research, receive feedback, and examine the progress of other students.

To create your blog:

1. Go to blogger.com
2. Click on "Get started"
3. Create a google account using your GAGGLE e-mail. Click continue.
4. Pick your display name using the following format: First Name Last Name, i.e. Jane Doe
5. Click "Create your blog now"
6. Give your blog a title using the following format: First Name Last Name's Senior Project, i.e. Jane Doe's Senior Project
7. Create your blog URL using the following format: firstinitiallastname, i.e. mgrandchamp. If this is not available, add your middle initial, or the number 1 after your name
8. Choose a start template
9. Start blogging!

You can also watch the instructions here:

Create Blogger Post How-To

Once you have created your blog, respond to this post in the following format:

Name:

Period:

Blog Address:

For example:

Name: Ms. Grandchamp

Period: 2

Blog Address: mgrandchamp.blogspot.com

Senior Project Introduction Letter

Dear Senior:

You are about to begin a major assignment that provides an enlightening experience in learning and also allows you to contribute to the world around you. Here at Granada Hills Charter High School, we stress that our students become lifelong learners, productive members of society, effective communicators, information managers, and problem solvers. Here is your opportunity to prove that you can be all of these things at once.

This assignment is called the Senior Project. The purpose of the Senior Project is to afford you the opportunity to demonstrate the skills, talents, and maturity you have developed during your high school career and to discover ways in which you can contribute to your community. You will choose a topic that not only interests you, but one which will allow you to grow in ways that are exciting and challenging.

The Senior Project has three phases: the Paper, the Service, and the Presentation.

PHASE I: Paper. You will be researching and writing a persuasive paper of approximately 7-10 pages, based on your identified area of need. This “area of need” must center on a problem that you see within the community. You must ask an essential question that drives your research, and come up with a proposal to help solve this problem. You will use both primary and secondary sources to gather information for your paper, as well as a firsthand interview with a credible source.

PHASE II: Service. In order for you to truly synthesize your area of research, you will be required to perform 8-10 hours of community service or field work. This service must relate directly to your subject. For example, if you were investigating animal cruelty, you might volunteer at a shelter to see how animals are treated there. There will be information on how to go about completing your community service or field work provided by me.

PHASE III: Presentation. You will be delivering a 10-15 minute oral presentation that describes your research and demonstrates your project in order to display your mastery of your chosen subject area. This presentation is done before the class, and it is the culminating element to your Senior Project. This presentation is your chance to demonstrate what you know and what you can do. Part of this phase includes a technological element, such as a PowerPoint, to demonstrate your skill in using modern tools to assist your research. 

This is a significant project and will have a major influence on your final semester grade. Although you may feel a bit overwhelmed at the moment with the size of the task before you, remember the brilliance of Dr. Seuss, “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer in any direction you choose.” Also, meet the deadlines and make use of the resources at your disposal, and you will have a successful experience

A final note on plagiarism: Don’t do it. If you choose to ignore this, you will receive a zero on this assignment.

Sincerely,

Maureen Grandchamp

English Teacher

Granada Hills Charter High School