Research Webquest

Introduction

Welcome to the 7th grade Research WebQuest!

You will conduct research to present an argument by writing a research paper which will help you to build knowledge and better your research skills.

Before we can write a research paper, we need to understand how to use search terms effectively, and how to determine the credibility of a source!

Why do we need to write a research paper?

The main reason behind writing a research paper is to answer a question. However, there are many different types of research papers. For example, you could write a research paper for a Science class answering the question "What is the best way to preserve a natural habitat?" Another type of research paper is a literary research paper. A literary research paper addresses a question or theory about a work of literature such as "Why was Ponyboy considered an outsider".

This year in seventh grade, you will write a different type of research paper. You will write an argumentative essay for your research paper. What is an argumentative essay? Click the link below to find out. Summarize the definition on your handout.

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/05/

Task

This WebQuest will give you the basic skills to write a research paper. Navigate through the links below to familiarize yourself with the research process.

Follow the link to the video. Please use headphones while listening. Fill in the blanks on your handout.

http://www.teachertube.com/video/research-process-video-333213

Next, use the link below to read about the 10 steps of the research process. Use the slideshare presentation to answer the questions in your Webquest packet.

http://www.slideshare.net/gnbces/10-steps-to-writing-a-research-paper

Short Answer #1: Summarize what you have learned about research in 3-5 sentences. Remember if you can't recall what you learned, then you didn't learn it.

Process

Let's review the process:

1. The first thing you need to do is pick a topic to argue (this has been done for you).

Make sure it is not too broad
Make sure it cannot be answered in one sentence or paragraph
Make sure it is something that can be debated

2. Now you need to start looking for information.

Decide on key words that can be searched
Start your search at the library. Your teacher is more than willing to help you find information.
Search the web but make sure your sources are reliable
You should use digital sources for this assignment

3. Next, you need to start organizing your information.

Cite your sources according to APA standards using source cards
Use a graphic organizer to keep track of your notes
Write an outline to set up the structure of your paper
Make sure you've come to a debatable conclusion and have acknowledged the other side of your argument, or created a counterclaim.

4. The next step is to write the Evidence/Warrants.

Use your graphic organizer to create Evidence/Warrants
Use in text citations quoting the sources where you found your information

5. The final step is typing your paper!

Use proper spelling and grammar conventions
Use the checklist in your text set
Check yourself with the rubric in the text set

Evaluation

Cut and paste the link below in another tab on your internet browser to read how to do a proper internet search. Complete the questions in your packet.

http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Internet-Research 

Short Answer #2: Name two ways that you can find reliable information faster on the internet? How do you plan on using this information when you conduct your research?