Researching+a+Controversial+Issue

Guidelines:
====Your task is to research a controversial issue found in the **ABC-CLIO Issues database**. Once you choose a controversial issue, you will locate two articles – one for the issue and one against it – and ta​ke a stance based on the information you read. Using a graphic organizer, you will take notes on the articles and formulate a thesis / position statement on the issue. Instead of writing a paper, you will organize your arguments and points into a Microsoft Word outline. Finally, you will add citations to your outline and create a Works Cited page. ====

//__Project dates (subject to change, if necessary):__//
===**Big 6 Research Process** What is it? Why use it? ===

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//What you need to KNOW: //How using the steps in the Big 6 will help you in all parts of the research process. These steps are useful in all classes and for problem-solving / research overall. ======

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//What you need to UNDERSTAND: //The research process is just that – a process. Following the steps and returning to the beginning, if necessary, will enable you to be successful in project / paper. ======

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//What you need to DO: //Go to the Big 6 website and complete the graphic organizer. As you read through the site, put the steps of the research process in your own words and fill in the organizer. Save your completed organizer to your network drive and copy the document into the shared network folder. ======



Introduction to ABC-CLIO //Issues// database



 * What you need to KNOW: How to research a controversial issue, explore the issues surrounding a topic, and organize your arguments into a logical, persuasive piece.**


 * What you need to UNDERSTAND: How to use the ABC-CLIO Issues database to gather information about your topic.**


 * What you need to DO: Working with your partner, explore the Issues database, choose a topic, and begin brainstorming about the topic using the KWL chart below. Save your chart to the proper network drives.**



What you need to DO: Begin reading through all of the articles on your topic. Between you and your partner, decide who will argue which side. Look over the graphic organizer for taking notes.


===Before we begin taking notes using the sources on your topic, we will first have a brief discussion about taking notes. Discuss the following questions with your partner and post your comments in the discussion area above. ===

Organizing Your Research
=== **What you need to KNOW:** Research is a process - if you are having trouble coming up with reasonable arguments for your controversial issue, ask yourself the following: Have I chosen the best arguments? Can I or should I choose a different argument? Do I really understand all the controversy surrounding the issue? **What you need to UNDERSTAND:** You are at the midpoint of the research process (Big 6 steps 3 and 4...go back and take a look), so if you cannot argue your side of the issue and/or can't find the information you need from the database articles, you AND your partner need to come up with a plan before you change your topic. **What you need to DO:** Complete your note-taking sheets and save them to the student share folder on the network. Send me a message through the discussion feature indicating any trouble you are having. REMEMBER - you have a partner! It is your responsibility to work as a team, so if one person is struggling with their side of the issue, help them out. Also - save your KWL chart to the student share folder. === === ===

What you need to UNDERSTAND: How to organize your arguments from least to most powerful - how do you know?
===What you need to DO: In this class, finish gathering research to support your arguments. Organize your arguments (you may copy and paste into a new organizer) from least to most powerful. Print your organizer and save to your ITL folder AND the shared folder.===

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 * Citing Sources & Organizing Your Outline **

What you need to KNOW: The importance of citing your sources as a means of preventing plagiarism.

What you need to UNDERSTAND: Why citing your sources early in the research process is a good way to stay organized. In addition, organizing your research into an outline will help in the writing of your paper. You might use <span style="color: #000080; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">**EasyBib** to help you in composing your works cited page.

What you need to DO: Look at your notes organizer and add citations for all the notes you took from ABC-CLIO. Begin to compose a thesis and fill in the outline template below.

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 * Final Checklist:**


 * Before we assess the outcome of this project, you should check to make sure you have the following completed:**
 * **KWL completed and saved in the student share folder;**
 * **Notes organizer WITH citations completed and saved in the student share folder;**
 * **Outline WITH citations completed and saved in the student share folder;**
 * **Works cited page complete and saved in the student share folder:**


 * Check over all work - use spell check to help proofread, check punctuation, especially on the Works Cited page.**

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