Independent Research 2017-2018 Independent Research is a ½ credit, independent study, online course, where students will create a final project that gains an in-depth understanding of the research process. During this course students, will gain important writing and organizational skills that will benefit them in current and future academic work. The culmination of this course will be a mandatory formal presentation at the St. Andrew’s Schools Academic Fair held in January, reflection and revisions based on teacher feedback, and an evening parent and school community share to take place in April at St. Andrew's Schools. There are 4 phases in Independent Research. Below are the following phases and goal dates. Phase 1: Phase 2: Phase 3: Phase 4: -
Explore and Reflect (By Quarter 1 Interims) Working Question and Preliminary Thesis Statement Primary source analysis Secondary source analysis Annotated Bibliography of 10 sources Research, Process, and Reflect (By Quarter 2 Interims) Prospectus due Draft of research due Revisions Peer Edits Draft #2 Create and Reflect (Share what you have at Academic Fair for feedback) Visual aid of research to present at Academic Fair Review based on suggestions Draft #3 due Revisions Share and Reflect (Final presentation April 25th) Final draft due April 25 (or earlier)
Summer Assignments: Over the summer explore and answer the following questions. 1. What topics are you interested in exploring? Why? a. Choose a topic you love. Or b. Pick a topic based on eye appeal and compelling personal interest. 2. What do you already know about the topic? 3. Are there any specific areas that you’re curious about or interested in? Please list. 4. Read through the Primary and Secondary source reading 5. Watch the linked YouTube link to help guide you in creating a good working question 6. Complete the Topic Approval worksheet to to create a good working question. a. This worksheet will be due at the end of the first week of school; however, you may always turn it in earlier. In addition, please brainstorm all possible sources you could use to research your topic (articles, interviews, novels, books, etc.) 1. What types of sources would be beneficial for your research? a. Fill your brain with information and be an active reader. b. Find at least 1 primary source and 2 secondary sources that are suitable for your research project Please be prepared to share this information when you come back to school in August.