Research+Paper+Overview

Senior Research Project
Ms. Curtis and Ms. Kunc


 * TASK:** You will use inquiry-based research and information-seeking strategies to investigate a topic of your choice relating to a social, health or global issue. You will also discuss proposed solutions to the problem. In addition to your research paper grade, you will earn credit for your participation in each stage of the research process.

You will be using this wiki as a guide throughout the research process. All documents and assignments relating to the research project, as well as important links, tips, and a calendar of due dates, can be found on this wiki.


 * Contacts**
 * Ms. Curtis: ms.s.curtis@gmail.com **
 * Ms. Kunc: manleyhslibrary@gmail.com **


 * Research Paper Guidelines**
 * 4-6 Typed Pages, Double Spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman Font, MLA Style
 * Title Page/ Cover Page
 * 1-Page Outline
 * 1-Page Works Cited (Bibliography/References)
 * 4 Credible Sources (Including at least two articles from subscription databases)
 * In-Text Citations


 * Research Process**

I. Pre-Writing: Planning and Researching (Choosing Your Topic, Preliminary Research) II. Pre-Writing: Searching for Information and Taking Notes III. Pre-Writing: Developing an Outline and Thesis Statement IV. Drafting and Citing Sources: MLA Style V. Revising: Teacher and Peer Review VI. Editing VII. Publication, Presentation and Reflection


 * Sample Research Topics** (some will need to be narrowed down)
 *  Human trafficking or child slavery
 *  Impact of charter schools on public education
 *  Global terrorism
 *  Violence in the African American community
 *  Absent fathers and the African American community
 *  Obesity in children
 *  Food deserts in the inner city
 *  Rising rates of HIV among African American women
 *  Racial profiling
 *  Overcrowding in American prisons
 *  Media influence on self esteem of African American girls
 *  Concussion crisis in American football
 *  Violent video games and impact on children
 *  Suicide amongst GLBT teens
 *  Cyberbullying and social networks
 *  Public welfare programs

You are encouraged to select a research topic that you are interested in exploring in-depth. First you must complete the TOPIC EXPLORATION GUIDE.

Once you have selected a topic, you must submit your topic online using the SUBMIT YOUR TOPIC FOR APPROVAL form on the “Choosing a Topic” page of the research Wiki. Your topic will then be reviewed and approved by Ms. Curtis or Ms. Kunc.

Below is a PDF of the handout you received in class, which includes the Research Paper Overview and Rubric:

What do I need to do? What information do I need to complete this task? How will I find the information that I need? What are the BEST sources of information for this task? How will I determine if my information is credible?
 * Think About It... **

Eisenberg, Michael. "A Big 6 Skills Overview." Big 6 Information and Technology Skills. 19 Nov 2001. Retrieved 15 Dec 2010. .