Grade Level(s):  7 and 8

Subject(s):  Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, Technology

Learner Outcomes:
To select an appropriate topic
To keep audience and purpose in mind
To develop a thesis statement
Time Frame:  5 class periods of 40 minutes (may vary) 

Materials:
Readers Guide to Periodical Literature
Magazines
Newspapers
Pamphlets
Encyclopedias
Almanacs
Atlases

Technology Tools/Courseware:
Computer with word processor and internet connection
CD-ROMs

Teacher Notes:
Instructor must be computer literate and internet  trained. 

Procedures:
1.  Search at least four sources for general topic discovery.  For example, free write, ask questions,
     check out online encyclopedias, use search engines, search the table of contents or index
     in print materials that are available in the media, search the headings in periodical indexes,
     check out resources on CD-ROM, view a videotape or a TV show, or interview a person.
2.  Choose one appropriate topic that was found during the discovery phase and have it approved.
3.  Narrow a general topic by using a cluster chart.
4.  Develop a thesis statement that defines the main idea of the paper.  Use a declarative sentence
     that states a belief or a problem.
5.  Discuss the importance of audience and purpose.  Have each student answer these questions:
     What does my audience need to know about my topic, and what do they already know?
     How can I surprise my audience?  What new or unusual information will interest them?
6.  Have students write a paragraph explaining how they narrowed their topic.  They also need
     to include type of audience, purpose and a thesis statement.
7.  Students work with a partner to receive feedback on their topic and thesis statement by using the
     peer editing criteria.

Modifications:
Handouts large print for students with visual difficulties
Use of video projector / LCD panel for visually impaired
Cooperative learning ( peer tutoring)
Extended time
Comply with individual's IEP

Enrichment Activities:
Students will read "How Computers Can Enhance Your Writing" and "The Research Paper:
     Satisfying Your Curiosity"
Students will complete the worksheet "Measure Your Computer Skills"

Evaluation/Assessment:
Teacher  evaluates thesis statement and paragraph
Teacher evaluates cluster charts
Students peer edit topic and thesis statement

West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives (IGO's) and other standards:

English Language Arts:
    Listening/Speaking:
              7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.13, 7.14, 7.15, 7.16,
              7.17, 7.18
              8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 8.10, 8.11, 8.12, 8.13, 8.14
    Reading Comprehension:
              7.23, 7.24, 7.27, 7.28, 7.28, 7.29, 7.30, 7.31, 7.33, 7.34, 7.36, 7.37
              8.16, 8.17, 8.18, 8.19, 8.21, 8.22, 8.23, 8.24, 8.27, 8.29, 8.30
    Reading Vocabulary:
              7.47,
              8.38, 8.39
    Writing:
              7.51, 7.52, 7.53, 7.55, 7.56, 7.57, 7.58, 7.59, 7.60, 7.61, 7.62, 7.64, 7.65
              8.48, 8.49, 8.50, 8.51, 8.53, 8.54, 8.58, 8.59, 8.63, 8.64
    Spelling:
              7.66
              8.75
    Language:
              8.83, 8.84, 8.85, 8.86, 8.87, 8.88, 8.89, 8.90, 8.91, 8.92, 8.93, 8.94, 8.95, 8.96, 8.97,
              8.98, 8.99, 8.100, 8.101, 8.102, 8.103, 8.104, 8.105, 8.106, 8.107, 8.108, 8.109, 8.110,
              8.111, 8.112, 8.113, 8.114, 8.115, 8.116, 8.117, 8.118, 8.119, 8.120, 8.121,8.122, 8.123,
              8.124, 8.125, 8.126, 8.127, 8.128, 8.129

    Study Skills:
              7.133, 7.134, 7.137, 7.147, 7.149, 7.152, 7.153, 7.154, 7.155, 7.157, 7.158
              8.130, 8.131, 8.133, 8.134, 8.135, 8.137, 8.142, 8.143, 8.144
    Computer Technology:
              7.163, 7.164, 7.165, 7.166, 7.167, 7.169, 7.170, 7.171, 7.172, 7.173
              8.145, 8.146, 8.147, 8.148, 8.150, 8.151, 8.152, 8.153, 8.154, 8.155
Science:
    Nature of Science:
              7.5, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9
              8.5, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9
    Scientific Attitudes/Habits of Mind:
              7.10, 7.11, 7.12, 7.13
              8.10, 8.11, 8.12, 8.13
    Scientific Processes/Thinking Skills:
              7.14, 7.16, 7.17, 7.18, 7.19
              8.14, 8.16, 8.17, 8.18, 8.19
    Science Technology, and Society:
              7.74, 7.78, 7.83
    Computer Technology:
              7.84,7.85, 7.86, 7.88, 7.90, 7.92
              8.80, 8.81, 8.84, 8.90, 8.91, 8.92, 8.93, 8.95, 8.97, 8.98

Social Studies:
    Computer/Technology:
           7.59, 7.60, 7.61, 7.64, 7.68
               8.59, 8.60, 8.61, 8.64, 8.65, 8.67, 8.70

National Standards

References: 
    Kinneavy, James, and John Warriner. Elements of Writing.  Orlando:  Holt, Rinehart and
    Winston, Inc.,  1993.

    Lester, James.  Writing Research Papers:  A Complete Guide.  Harper Collins Publishers Inc.,
    1990.

    Mulderig, Gerald, and Langdon Elsbree. 12th ed.  The Heath Handbook.  Lexington:  D.C. Heath
    and Company, 1990.

    Sharkey, Paulette.  "How Computers Can Enhance Your Writing."  Writing 18 (1996):  8-13.

    Sharkey, Paulette.  "The Research Paper:  Satisfying Your Curiosity."  Writing 17 (1995):  6-10.

    Elements of Writing Resource Manual Worksheet:  Chapter 10:  Prewriting 2, pg. 87.

   Writing Reproduction Master "Clustering," January 1995 issue.

   Writing Reproduction Master "Measure Your Computer Skills," April/May 1996 issue.

Lesson 2	Lesson 3	Lesson 4	Lesson 5
Gathering Data	Taking Notes	Writing the Paper	Works Cited

Research Paper Sites: