All Saints Day Research

Research Skills – Thinking Required

  1. Questioning: See assignments below.
    1. Brainstorm 2 or 3 possible questions to research about a Saint. The questions may not be “what” questions or “how many” questions that can be answered with a simple definition or number. The questions should be how, which, or why questions that will allow you tto develop a deeper understanding of the Saint.
    2. In pairs, discuss possible questions.
    3. Narrow the topic to a more specific question about the saint. (class 1)
  2. Planning:
    1. Review the Web Search In Plain English video. Create a list of words or phrases to begin an Internet search. Keep track of the words and phrases you use. Refine your list of keywords and phrases as you search. Keep track of this list in a word-processing document.
    2. Decide where to search. Remember the Deep Web.
  3. Gathering:
    1. Collect and record information from at least 2 reliable and valid sources of information. Use the 5 W’s to evaluate information sources.
    2. Create a bibliography entry for the resources you find. Use EasyBib to create a citation for each with an annotation. Place these in the wor-processing document. You will print and hand in the research question, list of keywords and phrases, plus a description of what search engine used, plus the bibliography with annotations by the end of class  2.
  4. Sifting & Sorting & Analyzing:
    1. Take notes to support your topic. Organize the notes by information sources so you can correctly provide in-text citations later.
  5. Synthesizing & Evaluating:
    1. Develop an outline of the topic (see report below) The notes and outline will be printed and handed in at the end of class 3.
  6. Reporting: Communicate findings in written report. (3 paragraph minimum) Printed and handed in at the end of class 4.

    1. Paragraph 1: Introduce the topic with a supported thesis statement. Provide background details about the saint. What was happening in the life of the saint that challenged the saint? What difference did prayer make in the life of the saint? Your thesis statement should provide a thought about how the saint inspires Catholics today. Paraphrase. Do not copy and paste.
    2. Paragraph 2: Provide specific examples to support your thesis statement. What is the impact or influence of this saint? Provide examples. What does it take to be a saint today? The examples must be supported by your research and from valid, reliable, appropriate information sources.  Paraphrase. Do not copy and paste. One sentence may be a direct copy, but must be included within quotation marks.
    3. Paragraph 3: Your personal reflection as a Catholic student at ICS: How does this saint or other saints personally influence you? Paraphrase. Do not copy and paste.
    4. Intext citations for all information used are required.
    5. Formatting
      1. Your name, the Class Name and the date at the top left of the paper.
      2. Research question in bold, centered. Times New Roman size 18
      3. Paragraphs and bibliography in Times new Roman size 12, left justified. Do not indecnt paragraphs.
      4. Place one space after periods, commas, and questions.
      5. Spell check, Grammar check.
  7. Bibliography: Place the bibliography directly below the essay. Each bibliography entry must be a hanging indent paragraph with a bullet point annotation below explaining the validity of the information source. The bibliography entries must be in alphabetical order.
    1. Use EasyBib website to create the bibliography entries in MLA style.

Assessment will be based on the 6-Traits Writing Rubric and the Research Rubric provided on the class page in Sycamore. On the 6-traits rubric, you will assessed on Ideas, Organization, Voice and Conventions.

Possible Resources