Is Freedom Free? Research Project Coach Puckett 8th Grade Final Project

Essential Question: Is Freedom Free?

After studying Georgia History for an entire year, you have seen several examples of American men and women who have fought for different types of freedoms.  Let's break down the above BIG question by asking research questions:

Class Questions:

1. What is Freedom?

2. What different types of freedom are there?

3. What examples of losing and gaining freedom do I remember from this year?

4. What price/cost did people pay to gain those freedoms?

Individual Research Questions:

1. Which freedom topic do I feel most passionate about?

2. Was there a cost for this freedom?  What kind of cost?

3. Who (give specific examples) paid for this freedom?  Why?

4. What stories and examples from history explain both WHO and WHY?  Remember - use specific, powerful details to support your opinion and make your paper and presentation meaningful!

5. What information, details, and facts would help explain why the people in question #3 would pay such a cost for freedom (especially if they could not enjoy it themselves).

6. Was the price for this freedom worth paying?  Why or why not?

7. Conclusion question: If we have these freedoms now, how do we enjoy them, and how will we enjoy them in our future?  - OR - If we do not have these freedoms yet, who will pursue them and how?

What sources will help you find the answers to your research questions?  Here are a few suggestions: 
Note - GALILEO databases will need a password for home use!

• New Georgia Encyclopedia - encyclopedia information all about Georgia

• Digital Library of Georgia - primary sources on Georgia History (newspapers, cartoons, photos, audio, video, etc.)

• Encyclopedia Britannica Online (GALILEO)  - excellent for basic information on wars, civil rights, women's rights, etc.

• Annals of American History (GALILEO) - primary documents from American History (speeches, letters, articles, etc.)

• History Reference Center (GALILEO) - historical magazine articles - use the Lexile Reading Level to choose Middle School only articles!

• Middle Search Plus (GALILEO) - magazine articles

• SIRS Discoverer (GALILEO) - magazine articles

• Civil Rights Digital Library - primary sources from the Civil Rights struggle

• Bartlett's Quotations - Find famous quotes on freedom

• Library of Congress - use keywords for web exhibitions and articles

• Use books, newspapers, and magazines available in the school or public library

If using web sites from a search engine like Google, please evaluate for quality using RADCAB:  http://www.radcab.com

Locate sources and access the information within them

Where will I locate these sources?  (Think ahead!)

• school library (library catalog)

• public library

• GALILEO databases

• Internet

• other: ______________________________________________________

If using an online database (GALILEO) or a search engine (such as www.google.com) list likely keywords or keyword combinations (use your research questions!):

Use a source to gain information

How will I record, organize, and store the information that I find?

• take notes using cards or notebook paper

• take notes using Microsoft Word

• take notes using a chart or other graphic organizer

• use a tape recorder, video, or digital camera for interviews

• other suggestion: ____________________________________

How will I give credit to the sources?
I will turn in a bibliography page of all the resources I used.  I will cite websites, books, magazines, database articles, etc. using Easybib.com.
Remember: Keep up with your sources as you go - it's hard to go back! 

Collect information from a variety of sources and CREATE!

• How will I organize my notes to write my research paper?  (Remember: use an outline or graphic organizer BEFORE you write!)

• How will I present my information, stories, and details to an 8th grade audience?

• How will I organize my information to be exciting, moving, and meaningful (but stay on topic)?

• What materials could I use to illustrate the answers to our research questions?  Brainstorm with these examples:

  • Pictures (do not print from school computers - use the projector!) 
  • Videos
  • Surveys
  • PowerPoint
  • Music
  • Newspaper articles
  • Cartoons
  • Costume
  • Other creative ideas from your group

SELF-CHECK!  Before giving your presentation, please review the rubric below:

Student Self-Scoring Check-list for Presentation:

1. The speaker clearly stated their stance on the topic.                                

2. The speaker gave logical facts to support their opinion.                           

3. The speaker was able to present a variety of examples that supported their ideas.                                                                                                 

4. The speaker closed with a strong concluding statement or quote that supported  their original stance.                                                                

5. The speaker offered additional information to support their position such as videos, surveys, interviews, Powerpoints, music etc….                    

6. The speaker told why they feel so strongly on the issue presented           

7. The speaker included a bibliography cited in the MLA style as illustrated on page 662 of Language Network. The bibliography shows the validity of the information presented.             

8. The speaker was prepared to present their presentation when called upon and showed evidence of having rehearsed it ahead of time.                 

9.  The speaker made eye contact to all three directions in the room and did not move unnecessarily while speaking. (No distracting actions)       

10.  The speaker spoke in a voice that was projected to the audience and was easily heard.                                                                                    

“Is Freedom Free”

Rubric

Name:

Big6 copyright 1990, Michael Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz.

Big6 Research Paper Organizer copyright 2000, Barbara A. Jansen.

MODIFIED by Brad Puckett, Elaine Murphy, and Lindy Pals, Jefferson Middle School