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Triumph or Tragedy in American History
Project Links | Cuminating Project Rubric | Essential Learnings for this project
This quarter you will be researching a topic of your choice from American history between the years 1900 and 2000. This
century was a time of tremendous change in the United States and the world. Many events, inventions, scientific advances, social movements, and people had a hand in shaping the history of the last 100 years.
Borrowing a quote from a famous novel by Charles Dickens, we could describe the 20th Century in the following way.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was an age of wisdom, it was an age
of foolishness."
It'll be your job to decide how the topic you research impacted the course of history. Did it contribute to the best or worst
of times; was it a triumph or tragedy? Take the atomic bomb for instance. Its use in World War II brought a quick end to the war and a decided victory for the United States. Surely this could be considered a
triumph, but the destruction and suffering caused by the bomb most certainly could be considered a tragedy.
A research paper is more than a report of factual information. We expect you to choose a topic that is open for debate, gather
information from a number of sources, and develop your own unique position (thesis) on the topic. After writing your research paper, you will make an oral presentation to the class of the significant results
of your research.
You will have class time to work on research and writing, but you will also need to devote time at home.
We will reserve as many books as possible for your use in the middle school library, however, our class time in the library is limited as are the number of resources we have available. YOU WILL NEED TO
DEVOTE TIME AT HOME. It will be to your advantage to go to the county libraries as soon as possible to check out books and other research materials.
Research Project Goals:
- 1. Identify a topic and narrow it adequately for research.
- 2. Read efficiently to gather information.
- 3. Use a research process that includes note taking from a variety of sources.
- 4. To write an well-organized 6-10 paragraph paper with proper MLA style references and works cited list.
- 5. Develop an oral presentation of major research findings in an organized and creative manner.
The final project will include:
- Notes from a variety of sources (at least 3) that include text, periodicals, computer software, and
internet. Notes must include source information, key questions or topics, and be in your own words.
- A well-organized research paper with MLA style parenthetical references and works cited list.
- A 10 minute presentation of research findings to the class in length that includes a visual or dramatic component.
POSSIBLE RESEARCH Topics: Remember, topics should reflect 20th century and change. These are very broad ideas and
will need to be narrowed down for research.
Possible ideas for projects representing major research findings:
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State Essentials:
Reading
2. The student understands the meaning of what is read.
- 2.1 comprehend important ideas and details
Writing
1. The student writes clearly and effectively.
- 1.2 use style appropriate to the audience and purpose
- 1.3 apply writing conventions
2. The student writes in a variety of forms for different audiences and purposes.
- 2.2 write for different purposes
- 2.3 write in a variety of forms
History
2. The student applies the methods of social science investigation to
compare and contrast interpretations of historical events.
- 2.3 synthesize information and reflect on findings
- 3.1 The student understands the origin and impact of ideas and technological developments on history and social change.
- 3.3 understand how ideas and technological developments influence people, resources, and culture
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