INDEPENDENT STUDY: An Overview Gifted & Talented Academic Enrichment Program Colonia High School Mrs. Moran

PURPOSE: To give you the opportunity to research a topic that has personal meaning for you, that you have not been able to research in any other class. To give you the opportunity to research a topic that has personal meaning for you, that you have not been able to research in any other class. Your topic could clarify a career choice or solve a problem that has always bothered you. Your topic could clarify a career choice or solve a problem that has always bothered you. It should not be a recycled project from your middle school convocation or any high school assignment. It should not be a recycled project from your middle school convocation or any high school assignment.

SOURCES: PRIMARY SOURCES: with you in the role of researcher, you will conduct a survey, at least one interview, and maybe an experiment and/or observation. PRIMARY SOURCES: with you in the role of researcher, you will conduct a survey, at least one interview, and maybe an experiment and/or observation. SECONDARY SOURCES: with you in the role of reader, you will annotate, highlight and summarize what other researchers have written on your topic. SECONDARY SOURCES: with you in the role of reader, you will annotate, highlight and summarize what other researchers have written on your topic.

More About Secondary Sources: Included with general press, peer reviewed journals, opinion and books, are historical documents, including: Included with general press, peer reviewed journals, opinion and books, are historical documents, including: Diaries, letters, tracts, declarations, columns, proclamations, treatises, essays, commentaries, manifestos, mandates, addresses, lectures, eyewitness accounts, charters, principles, speeches, and dictionaries. Diaries, letters, tracts, declarations, columns, proclamations, treatises, essays, commentaries, manifestos, mandates, addresses, lectures, eyewitness accounts, charters, principles, speeches, and dictionaries.

TOPICS FOR RESEARCH: What do you want to do with your life? What do you want to do with your life? What do you want to learn more about? What do you want to learn more about? What makes you angry? What makes you angry? What do you want to change in society or America or in the world? What do you want to change in society or America or in the world?

Still drawing a blank? Online databases and internet sites also offer lists of topics: Online databases and internet sites also offer lists of topics: _list.html - _list.html rmindex.htm rmindex.htm pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~uwc/.../Handouts/research _topics.htm pegasus.cc.ucf.edu/~uwc/.../Handouts/research _topics.htm

Who, what, when, where, why, how? When trying to gain proper focus (not too narrow and not too broad), on your chosen topic, ask the following questions: When trying to gain proper focus (not too narrow and not too broad), on your chosen topic, ask the following questions: Who else do you know who is interested in this topic? Who else do you know who is interested in this topic? Who could help locate sources? Who could help locate sources? Who else might want to know what you find out about this topic? Who else might want to know what you find out about this topic? Who makes a living studying this topic? Who makes a living studying this topic? Who studied it first? Who studied it first? Who first heightened your interst in this area? Who first heightened your interst in this area? Who are the most famous people who work with this topic? Most exciting/unusual/controversial? Who are the most famous people who work with this topic? Most exciting/unusual/controversial?

WHAT? What are some things you already know or could have already done? Make a list! What are some things you already know or could have already done? Make a list! What are some questions about the topic that everyone can answer? That no one can answer? What are some questions about the topic that everyone can answer? That no one can answer? What are some businesses that have to do with the topic? Some hobbies? Subjects? What are some businesses that have to do with the topic? Some hobbies? Subjects? What does anyone interested in this topic wish for? Fear? Predict? What does anyone interested in this topic wish for? Fear? Predict? What methods do you need to know and use to investigate this topic? What methods do you need to know and use to investigate this topic? What patents exist? What commercial products? What patents exist? What commercial products? What fantasies and fictinos? What fantasies and fictinos? What is holding up progress or new developments? What is holding up progress or new developments? What have been some exciting breakthroughs? What have been some exciting breakthroughs?

WHEN? When is the best time to study this? When is the best time to study this? When can you contact other interested people? When can you contact other interested people? When did you first hear, see or learn anything about this topic? When did you first hear, see or learn anything about this topic? When did you become aware of your curiosity, interest or concern about this? When did you become aware of your curiosity, interest or concern about this? When will studying this be most difficult? When will studying this be most difficult? When was this last topic in the news? When was this last topic in the news?

WHERE? Where can you go in your community to find out more about your topic? Where can you go in your community to find out more about your topic? Where will you find useful information? Where will you find useful information? Where will you find other people interested in this topic? Where will you find other people interested in this topic? Where can you conduct observations on this topic? Where can you conduct observations on this topic?

WHY? Why are you interested or concerned? Why are you interested or concerned? Why is the topic popular or unpopular? Why is the topic popular or unpopular? Why haven’t you studied this topic before? Why haven’t you studied this topic before? Why do/don’t people advertise about this or form groups or share ideas? Why do/don’t people advertise about this or form groups or share ideas? Why might anyone else want to share your interest in this topic? Why might anyone else want to share your interest in this topic? Why might anyone hesitate to study this topic? Why might anyone hesitate to study this topic? Why might interest in this topic increase in the future? Why might interest in this topic increase in the future? Why might this topic be easy/more difficult to study now/in the future? Why might this topic be easy/more difficult to study now/in the future?

HOW? How has the topic been studied before? How has the topic been studied before? How will the questions, issues, and methods change in the future? How will the questions, issues, and methods change in the future? How will you or anyone else, benefit from your efforts? How will you or anyone else, benefit from your efforts? How will you find resources? How will you find resources? How will you determine which resources are best? How will you determine which resources are best? How has the topic changed recently? How has the topic changed recently? How will people react to your interest? How will people react to your interest? How will you increase your chances of success? How will you increase your chances of success?

A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION: Is researchable Is researchable Is answerable in whole or in part Is answerable in whole or in part Is important to many people Is important to many people Is suggestive of other questions Is suggestive of other questions Is innovative Is innovative Is provocative Is provocative Is honest and direct and not deceptive Is honest and direct and not deceptive Is clear and unambiguous Is clear and unambiguous Its answer has possible use in the world Its answer has possible use in the world

SAMPLE RESEARCH QUESTIONS: Are girls being exploited at younger and younger ages? Are girls being exploited at younger and younger ages? How do sleeping disorders affect families, communities, societies? How do sleeping disorders affect families, communities, societies? Should the US be spending millions in the war on drugs? Should the US be spending millions in the war on drugs? What is the impact on education of the Creationism-as- science movement? What is the impact on education of the Creationism-as- science movement? Is genetic engineering beneficial for civilization? Is genetic engineering beneficial for civilization? Are we a loveless culture? Are we a loveless culture? How much influence should religious beliefs have on lawmaking? How much influence should religious beliefs have on lawmaking? Why is Holocaust education still necessary in our society? Why is Holocaust education still necessary in our society? Is society dehumanizing itself by not recognizing the existence of modern slaves? Is society dehumanizing itself by not recognizing the existence of modern slaves? What is the impact of advertising on our culture? What is the impact of advertising on our culture?

Sample research questions II: Have corporations/government become complicit in the obesity epidemic? Have corporations/government become complicit in the obesity epidemic? How have we become a country of cars instead of one that relies on public transportation? How have we become a country of cars instead of one that relies on public transportation? Can schools recognize and curb hazing? Can schools recognize and curb hazing? Is the theatre district in danger of extinction? Is the theatre district in danger of extinction? Why is it man’s nature to struggle for power? Why is it man’s nature to struggle for power? Can a child’s education be considered complete without exposure to the arts? Can a child’s education be considered complete without exposure to the arts? How does the strict conformity value of Japanese life affect the quality of life for the Japanese individual? How does the strict conformity value of Japanese life affect the quality of life for the Japanese individual? What are the bases for denying medical treatment? What are the bases for denying medical treatment? How have events in the Middle East affected American attitudes towards terrorism? How have events in the Middle East affected American attitudes towards terrorism? Does Transcendental Meditation improve the quality of life? Does Transcendental Meditation improve the quality of life? Is polygamy a violation of freedom of religion or a violation of human rights? Is polygamy a violation of freedom of religion or a violation of human rights?

SECONDARY SOURCE REQUIREMENTS: Keep a research folder for this project on your Google docs. I will periodically check it for your progress. Keep a research folder for this project on your Google docs. I will periodically check it for your progress. Read at least part of one book. Read at least part of one book. Read at least three peer reviewed journals. Read at least three peer reviewed journals. Read at least three general press articles. Read at least three general press articles. Read at least three opinion pieces. Read at least three opinion pieces. Preview at least one documentary. Preview at least one documentary. Interpret at least one image. Interpret at least one image.

PRIMARY SOURCE REQUIREMENTS: Original Survey: at least ten questions of varying types. You may only ask 1-2 knowledge questions: (“Do you know about___?”) Most of your questions should be exploring attitudes. Original Survey: at least ten questions of varying types. You may only ask 1-2 knowledge questions: (“Do you know about___?”) Most of your questions should be exploring attitudes. Original Interview: 3-5 questions that require more than a yes/no response. You can interview an expert or follow up on a survey respondent’s answers. Interview transcript must be in your paper’s Appendix. Original Interview: 3-5 questions that require more than a yes/no response. You can interview an expert or follow up on a survey respondent’s answers. Interview transcript must be in your paper’s Appendix.

PRIMARY SOURCE OPTIONS: Original Observations: you may wish to conduct a series of observations to help you prove your thesis. Observation notes must be included in your Appendix. Original Observations: you may wish to conduct a series of observations to help you prove your thesis. Observation notes must be included in your Appendix. Original Experiments: you may wish to conduct an experiment to help prove your thesis. All experiment notes must be included in your Appendix. Original Experiments: you may wish to conduct an experiment to help prove your thesis. All experiment notes must be included in your Appendix.

How do I set up the research paper? Title Page Title Page TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS Purpose Page Purpose Page Methodology Page Methodology Page Operational Definitions Page Operational Definitions Page Clean Copy of Your Survey Page Clean Copy of Your Survey Page Graphs of Survey Results Pages Graphs of Survey Results Pages Conclusions Pages (Parts I-2-3) Conclusions Pages (Parts I-2-3) Limitations Page Limitations Page Suggestions for Further Research Page Suggestions for Further Research Page Works Cited Page Works Cited Page Appendix Pages Appendix Pages

TITLE PAGE: In center of center, title of your project. In center of center, title of your project. Beneath it in center, your thesis. Beneath it in center, your thesis. In lower right corner, your name, date. In lower right corner, your name, date. Colorful graphics optional. Colorful graphics optional. Some variations below: Some variations below:

PURPOSE PAGE: In 1-2 paragraphs, explain why you chose your topic and what you hope to accomplish by your research into it. In 1-2 paragraphs, explain why you chose your topic and what you hope to accomplish by your research into it. This is a First Person page, and is usually very personal, and impassioned. This is a First Person page, and is usually very personal, and impassioned.

METHODOLOGY PAGE: Explain in a few paragraphs what research you did, what sources you contacted, what methods you used to obtain your data. Explain in a few paragraphs what research you did, what sources you contacted, what methods you used to obtain your data. Explain how each method generally helped you to prove your point, understand your issue, attain your goal. Explain how each method generally helped you to prove your point, understand your issue, attain your goal.

OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS PAGE: A listing of terms you are using in your paper that are relevant to your topic, and that your readers may not be familiar with. A listing of terms you are using in your paper that are relevant to your topic, and that your readers may not be familiar with. As you read your secondary sources, highlight any terminology. This way, you have your op-defs ready to go. As you read your secondary sources, highlight any terminology. This way, you have your op-defs ready to go.

COPY OF YOUR SURVEY: When you hand out your surveys, be sure to reserve a clean copy, or save your survey in your Google Docs. When you hand out your surveys, be sure to reserve a clean copy, or save your survey in your Google Docs.

GRAPHS OF SURVEY DATA: Using Create-a-Graph or other site, make your graphs, using percentages, and in color. Using Create-a-Graph or other site, make your graphs, using percentages, and in color. If you can, place two or more graphs on each page. If you can, place two or more graphs on each page. You can use bar or line or pie graphs, depending on the demands of your results. You can use bar or line or pie graphs, depending on the demands of your results.

CONCLUSIONS PAGES: PART I: Summary of secondary sources. PART I: Summary of secondary sources. PART II: Analysis of and conjecture about primary sources, including why you believe your respondents answered as they did. PART II: Analysis of and conjecture about primary sources, including why you believe your respondents answered as they did. PART III: Compare your secondary sources with your primary sources, including speculating why your data does or does not reflect experts’ data. PART III: Compare your secondary sources with your primary sources, including speculating why your data does or does not reflect experts’ data.

LIMITATIONS PAGE: What obstacles prevented my research from going further? What obstacles prevented my research from going further? Do not say you could not find any information. (You have 4.5 months.) Do not say you could not find any information. (You have 4.5 months.) Do not say you did not have enough time. (I repeat, you have 4.5 months.) Do not say you did not have enough time. (I repeat, you have 4.5 months.)

SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCH PAGE: What would you do if you could continue researching your topic next year? What would you do if you could continue researching your topic next year?

WORKS CITED PAGE: Using online sites, you can more easily create your bibliography: Using online sites, you can more easily create your bibliography: Number each of your sources in your bibliography. Number each of your sources in your bibliography. This way, when you cite internally, you just put the number of the source into parentheses and page # if multiple citations occur. This way, when you cite internally, you just put the number of the source into parentheses and page # if multiple citations occur.

APPENDIX: Where the transcripts of your interviews go. Where the transcripts of your interviews go. Also any notes from your observations and experiments. Also any notes from your observations and experiments.

Some Paper Caveats: Do not procrastinate. You are given 4.5 months to do your research, and we will be in the Media Center every week for 3 months. Do not procrastinate. You are given 4.5 months to do your research, and we will be in the Media Center every week for 3 months. Get a book early, so you have time to digest it. Get a book early, so you have time to digest it. You are responsible for binding your research paper, which may be 30 pages in length. You are responsible for binding your research paper, which may be 30 pages in length. Make sure your internal sources and Works Cited list match. Make sure your internal sources and Works Cited list match. Only sources you use in your paper should be in your Works Cited page. Only sources you use in your paper should be in your Works Cited page.

PAGE ORDER: Title Page Title Page Table of Contents Table of Contents Purpose Page Purpose Page Op-Defs Page Op-Defs Page Methodology Page Methodology Page Clean Copy of Survey Clean Copy of Survey Graphs Graphs Conclusions, Parts Conclusions, Parts Limitations Page Limitations Page Suggestions for Further Research Page Suggestions for Further Research Page Bibliography Page Bibliography Page Appendix (interview transcripts/any revisions I asked you to do over) Appendix (interview transcripts/any revisions I asked you to do over) Pictures may go anywhere you think would be effective/creative! Pictures may go anywhere you think would be effective/creative!

SOME PRESENTATION CAVEATS: Everyone must be prepared to present on the day the paper is due. Everyone must be prepared to present on the day the paper is due. If you are not prepared on Day One, you will lose nine points automatically. If you are not prepared on Day One, you will lose nine points automatically. Be sure to test you’re A-V ahead of time and have a Plan B for your A-V just in case! Be sure to test you’re A-V ahead of time and have a Plan B for your A-V just in case! If you are doing something unusual that requires special prep, see me ahead of time to reserve a particular day. If you are doing something unusual that requires special prep, see me ahead of time to reserve a particular day. Time your presentation to 35 minutes, as two presentations will happen in each block. Time your presentation to 35 minutes, as two presentations will happen in each block.

YOUR PRESENTATION: Will be assessed in four ways: Will be assessed in four ways: AUDIO-VISUAL: quality, applicability, interest AUDIO-VISUAL: quality, applicability, interest INTERACTIVE: evidence of organization and applicability INTERACTIVE: evidence of organization and applicability CONTENT: preponderance of information CONTENT: preponderance of information CREATIVITY: originality in any of the above CREATIVITY: originality in any of the above

AUDIO-VISUAL ELEMENT: Power Point is a must. Power Point is a must. Video clips Video clips Costume Costume Live performance Live performance Guest Speaker Guest Speaker Music Music Demonstration Demonstration

INTERACTIVE ELEMENT: Organize a short activity that helps teach your audience about your topic: Organize a short activity that helps teach your audience about your topic: Skit Skit Role Play Role Play Quiz Quiz Poll Poll Simulation Simulation Game Game Art Activity Art Activity Controlled Debate Controlled Debate Brainstorming Activity Brainstorming Activity

CONTENT: You may begin your presentation however you like, and communicate the following in various ways, but you must include: You may begin your presentation however you like, and communicate the following in various ways, but you must include: Facts on your topic Facts on your topic Analysis of your survey results Analysis of your survey results Comparison of your primary and secondary data Comparison of your primary and secondary data

What might be CREATIVE: Conduct a ceremony Conduct a ceremony Dress like a banana Dress like a banana Turn the classroom into a restaurant Turn the classroom into a restaurant Take us outside to view invasive plants Take us outside to view invasive plants Teach us to meditate Teach us to meditate Teach us to dance Teach us to dance Teach us to write in Arabic Teach us to write in Arabic Turn the classroom into a jail cell Turn the classroom into a jail cell Conduct an experiment on us Conduct an experiment on us