1. Superstitions, Amulets, and Talisman
Classroom Dictionary

2. Words to Know
Superstition (n): a widely held belief based on fear and custom and not based on scientific fact.
Amulet (n): charm; brings good luck and protection.
Talisman (n): object thought to have magical powers bestowed by its creator.

3. Dictionary Project
Select a topic and use links to find information from one source.
Go to Google Classroom and find the assignment labeled Dictionary of Superstitions, Amulets, and Talisman. You have editing privileges.
After researching your topic, add a page to the dictionary that includes the following:
Several paragraphs about your topic: explore the origin and history of your subject. If it is a superstition, describe how it began, where, and why. If it is an amulet or talisman, be sure to include the power or protection the object provides the owner.
Photos (at least 1)
A MLA citation at the bottom of the entry

4. Rubric: 30 points (formative)
Focus (5):
Paragraphs have a topic sentence and details to support it.
Content (25):
Two well-developed paragraphs filled with facts about the topic.
Citations: MLA complete citation at the bottom of page; If more than one source is used, parenthetical citations are needed
Organization (5):
Details ordered logically and transitions provided
Style (5):
Variety of sentence type and language
Clear, concise, and formal expression
At least one photo for visual appeal
Conventions: punctuation, spelling, capitalization, etc.

6. Project Timeline Day 1: 1. Select a subject to research.
2. Create a google document to conduct your research and use suggested sources or find your own.
3. Add citations (at least 1) to google document.
Day 2: 1. Read through sources
2. Take handwritten notes from your sources or type them into google doc.
3. Look for photos to add to this document.
Day 3: 1.Draft paragraphs
2. Edit and copy it into Dictionary.
Day 4: We will read the dictionary!

7. Day 1 Select a subject to research.
Create a google document to conduct your research and use suggested sources or find your own.
Add citations (at least 1) to google document.

8. Research: create document in Google Classroom
1.Click on assignment: Superstitions
2.Click on “create”
3.Click on “Docs”
4.Click on document to open and begin (do not rename!)
5.Gather information and cite resources. This will eventually become completed entry that you will copy and paste into Dictionary.

9. MLA Citation:
-Use research tool in tool menu in your Google document to cite sources. Under your chosen source, there is a icon for “cite.” Click it and the full MLA citation will appeal at the bottom of your page below the line.

10. Resources
The following pages contain suggested topics and lib guides for them.

11. Superstitions Holding your breath when passing a cemetery Black Cat
Something old, something blue…
The wedding veil protects bride from evil eye
Trick or treat on Halloween
Step on a crack…
Blessing someone who sneezed
Black Cat
Friday the 13th
Spilling Salt
Walking under a ladder
Breaking a mirror
Knocking on Wood
Opening an umbrella indoors
Breaking a wishbone

12. Sources: Superstitions
superstitions-and-how-they-may-have-originated

13. Amulets and Talismans: is there a difference?
Amulets: object that protects owner from harm. It is believed that the object inherently has power to protect.
Talismans: object that gives power to the owner and this can include protection. It is believed that this object must be given power by its creator.

14. Amulets and Talisman Omamori Hamsa or Hand of Fatima Rabbit’s foot
Pentacle or pentagram
Agimat
Excalibur
Bloodstones
The Hand of Glory
Crucifix
Swastika
Medicine bag
Rabbit’s foot
Horseshoe
Four leaf clover
Scarab
Ankh amulet
Eye of Horus or Ra
Mezuzah
Seal of Solomon
Gris-Gris

15. Sources: Amulets and Talismans

16. Day 2
Read through sources
Take handwritten notes from your sources or type them into google doc.
Look for photos to add to this document.

17. Take Notes without Plagiarizing
Essential Questions:
What is plagiarism?
How do you take notes without plagiarizing?

18. Plagiarism
It is illegal to take the words of others, copy them, and claim them as your own. Plagiarism is a type of theft. If you do use someone else’s words, you must put them in quotes (“ “) and give credit to the writer.

19. Direct Quote Paraphrased
Example: According to Senator Lamar Alexander, tragedy of September 11 had one benefit. It compelled the nation to work as one and restored our sense of patriotism. It “brought out the best in us.”
“September 11 is one of our worst days but it brought out the best in us. It unified us as a country and showed our charitable instincts and reminded us of what we stood for and stand for.” – Senator Lamar Alexander

20. Paraphrase
This means to simply put things in your own words. You must change words and phrases to make the sentence one you create.
Original Source: The September 11 attacks (also referred to as 9/11) were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group Al-Qaeda on the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, The attacks consisted of suicide attacks used to target symbolic U.S. landmarks.
Paraphrasing: On the morning of September 11, Al-Qaeda, in the name of Islam, attacked four iconic U.S. sites at the same time.

21. Notetaking without Plagiarizing
1.Read sources.
2. Take notes without plagiarizing! Remember:
žSummarize and paraphrase while taking handwritten or typed notes.
žUse quotation marks around any unique word, phrase, or sentence.
If using more than one source, number sources and place source number next to notes
žPut away your sources when you begin draft and rely exclusively on your notes.

22. Day 3
Draft paragraphs
Edit and copy it into Dictionary.

23. Parenthetical Citation
When using multiple sources, you need to add citations within your paragraphs to identify the sources. See choices below:
Author: (Williams)
Article Title: (“Tigers”)
Website: (WWF)

24. Parenthetical Citation
Tigers are the largest of the big cats but have many features in common with their feline cousins. Although some tigers are only between 240 and 350 pounds, some tigers can be as large as 600 pounds and as long as 12 feet (“Tiger”). Despite their impressive size, tigers are very vulnerable. Habitat loss is partly to blame for the dwindling tiger population as the clearing of forests for farming and timber has led to the destruction of 93% of the tiger’s environment (WWF).

25. Day 3: Read the dictionary!