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Dream Research and Presentation Project

Grade 9English10 days

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The Dream Research and Presentation Project is a 10-day, project-based learning experience for ninth-grade English students. It guides students in researching a dream destination or aspiration, focusing on developing skills in information verification, evaluating source credibility, and presenting findings effectively using multimedia tools. Through various activities, students learn to identify credible sources, analyze different mediums, construct well-supported arguments, and deliver compelling presentations, all aligned with Common Core Standards. Key learning outcomes include improving research strategies, enhancing critical thinking, and applying multimedia communication skills.

ResearchCredibilityArgumentsMultimediaPresentationDreamsCritical Thinking

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can students effectively research and verify information for their dream pursuit, evaluate the credibility of varied sources, and present their findings in a compelling and informative way?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What strategies can be employed to effectively research and verify information about a dream destination or aspiration?
How can one distinguish between credible sources and biased or unreliable information during research?
In what ways can different mediums (e.g., text, video, multimedia) provide varied perspectives on the same topic?
How do authors structure their arguments and what methods do they use to support their claims?
What constitutes strong textual evidence, and how can it be used to bolster an argument or presentation?
How can one effectively present research findings in a clear, concise, and engaging manner?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

By the end of this project, students will be able to:

Develop strong research skills by effectively locating and evaluating information from a variety of sources.
Cite strong textual evidence and analyze textual content to support research findings and inferences.
Critically evaluate the credibility of different sources and identify bias or unreliability in information.
Present research findings in a compelling, clear, and organized manner using multimedia tools.
Write and present arguments to support claims about the dream destination or aspiration, using valid reasoning and relevant evidence.
Analyze different mediums to understand how they influence the narrative of a subject, interpreting which details are emphasized.

Common Core Standards

RI.9-10.1

Primary

Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.Reason: Students will need to cite textual evidence when presenting their research findings about their dream destination or aspiration.

RI.9-10.5

Secondary

Analyze in detail how an author's ideas or claims are developed and refined by particular sentences, paragraphs, or larger portions of a text (e.g., a section or chapter).Reason: The project requires students to analyze and present information critically, understanding how information is structured and presented.

RI.9-10.7

Primary

Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account.Reason: This standard is relevant as students will explore different mediums to gather information and present varied perspectives on their topic.

RI.9-10.8

Primary

Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, assessing whether the reasoning is valid and the evidence is relevant and sufficient; identify false statements and fallacious reasoning.Reason: Students will practice delineating arguments and evaluating sources for validity in their research.

W.9-10.1

Primary

Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.Reason: The project involves creating presentations where students will have to support claims with evidence from their research.

W.9-10.1.b

Primary

Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly, supplying evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level and concerns.Reason: Students will be developing arguments and counterarguments in their presentations, making this standard particularly relevant.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Dream Quest VR Experience

Immerse students in a virtual reality simulation where they can explore different dream scenarios such as scaling a mountain, working in a bustling tech hub, or attending a grand university. This experience will stimulate their senses and inspire them to question and research how they can turn these dreams into reality.

Challenge the Impossible Workshop

Begin with a workshop that challenges students to brainstorm a list of 'impossible' careers or adventures. Follow up with resources, guest speakers, and case studies that demonstrate how perceived impossibilities have been transformed into realities, encouraging students to research and strategize their dream paths.

'Choose Your Own Adventure' Story Session

Start with an interactive story session where students choose different pathways at each decision point of a dream life scenario. This event engages critical thinking and decision-making skills as they weigh options and consequences, ultimately leading them to explore the real-world implications of their dream choices.

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Portfolio Activities

These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.

Activity 1

Dream Research Investigator

In this activity, students will learn how to effectively gather information about their chosen dream (college, job, vacation, adventure) by conducting targeted online research. They will focus on understanding search strategies, keywords, and evaluating sources.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Brainstorm and select a dream you want to research, ensuring it's something you feel passionate about and is achievable.

2. Create a list of keywords and search phrases related to your selected dream to guide your online research.

3. Begin searching online using your prepared keywords, start with trusted sources like educational institutions or established travel guides.

4. Evaluate the credibility of found sources by checking their validity, bias, and reliability.

5. Take detailed notes on the information that directly supports or informs your research about the dream.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA collection of research notes about the chosen dream, with identified credible sources and initial findings.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRI.9-10.1 (Cite textual evidence to support analysis), RI.9-10.8 (Evaluate argument and claims in a text).

Activity 2

Author’s Claim Unlocked

Students will delve into analyzing how authors present and support their claims. They will focus on identifying main arguments and evidence in text, refining their ability to critically analyze information obtained from their research.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Select a high-quality article or book that discusses aspects of your dream.

2. Identify the author's main claim or argument and any subclaims presented.

3. Analyze how each claim is supported with evidence, identifying sentences or paragraphs that strengthen the argument.

4. Determine if the author has addressed any counterclaims and how they are managed.

5. Evaluate the logic and validity of the arguments presented.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed written analysis of the author's claims, support, and counterclaims.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRI.9-10.5 (Analyze how an author's ideas are developed), RI.9-10.8 (Evaluate argument and specific claims).

Activity 3

Multimedia Medium Explorer

Students will investigate how different mediums like videos, podcasts, and articles portray various aspects of their chosen dream. This activity will involve analyzing content presented in various forms and recognizing the emphasis placed on different details.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Locate multiple resources about your dream, ensuring diversity in mediums like videos, articles, and podcasts.

2. Watch, read, or listen to the chosen resources, noting differences in the information emphasized in each medium.

3. Compare how each medium presents the dream and note which details are highlighted or downplayed.

4. Interpret why certain details may be emphasized based on the medium and intended audience.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comparative report analyzing how different mediums present your dream, with emphasis on varied details.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRI.9-10.7 (Analyze accounts in different mediums).

Activity 4

Argument Architect Workshop

In this workshop, students will construct and refine their own arguments supporting the feasibility and desirability of achieving their dream. They will develop claims, counterclaims, and learn to present them in compelling ways.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Draft a clear main claim about the importance and feasibility of your dream.

2. Identify supporting evidence from your research findings that back up your claim.

3. Develop at least one counterclaim that might arise when discussing your dream.

4. Provide evidence and reasoning to counter the counterclaims, emphasizing strengths and weaknesses.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityWritten arguments including claims, evidence, counterclaims, and rebuttals about the chosen dream.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsW.9-10.1 (Write arguments to support claims), W.9-10.1.b (Develop claims and counterclaims with evidence).

Activity 5

Presentation Designer Lab

In this final activity, students will synthesize their research, analysis, and arguments into a cohesive and engaging presentation. They'll use multimedia tools to create slides that effectively communicate their findings.

Steps

Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.

1. Create a slide outline or storyboard to plan the structure of your presentation.

2. Select appropriate multimedia tools (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) to create your presentation.

3. Design each slide to succinctly present research findings, analysis, and arguments.

4. Incorporate visual aids, such as images and graphs, to enhance understanding and engagement.

5. Practice delivering your presentation, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in communication.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished multimedia presentation showcasing your researched dreamed, using strong arguments and credible evidence.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRI.9-10.1 (Cite textual evidence), RI.9-10.7 (Analyze accounts in different mediums), W.9-10.1 (Write arguments)

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Dream Pursuit Research and Presentation Rubric

Category 1

Research Skills

Assessing the ability to effectively gather, evaluate, and utilize information pertaining to the chosen dream pursuit.

Criterion 1

Use of Keywords and Search Strategies

Effectiveness of using keywords and search strategies to find relevant information.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates highly effective use of keywords and search strategies, leading to comprehensive and relevant information gathering.

Proficient

3 Points

Shows effective use of keywords and search strategies, resulting in mostly relevant information gathering.

Developing

2 Points

Utilizes keywords and search strategies with limited effectiveness, finding partially relevant information.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with using keywords and search strategies, leading to minimal relevant information.

Criterion 2

Source Credibility Evaluation

Ability to evaluate the credibility, validity, and bias of information sources.

Exemplary

4 Points

Accurately evaluates source credibility, identifying bias and ensuring reliability of information.

Proficient

3 Points

Evaluates source credibility with general accuracy, recognizing most biases and ensuring mostly reliable information.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to evaluate source credibility, but misses some biases or includes unreliable information.

Beginning

1 Points

Lacks ability to evaluate source credibility, resulting in inclusion of biased or unreliable information.

Category 2

Critical Analysis of Texts

Evaluation of the ability to analyze author claims and arguments within texts associated with the dream pursuit.

Criterion 1

Identification of Claims and Evidence

Identifying and analyzing how authors present claims and support them with evidence.

Exemplary

4 Points

Expertly identifies and thoroughly analyzes all claims and evidence within texts, providing deep insights.

Proficient

3 Points

Accurately identifies and analyzes main claims and evidence within texts, providing clear insights.

Developing

2 Points

Identifies some claims and evidence within texts, but analysis lacks depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to identify claims and evidence within texts, providing minimal analysis.

Criterion 2

Evaluation of Arguments

Assessing the logic and validity of arguments presented in texts.

Exemplary

4 Points

Conducts thorough and critical evaluation of arguments, questioning logic and validity with precision.

Proficient

3 Points

Effectively evaluates arguments, accurately assessing logic and validity.

Developing

2 Points

Attempts to evaluate arguments, but misses key aspects of logic or validity.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to evaluate arguments, with minimal consideration of logic and validity.

Category 3

Argument Development and Writing

Assessment of the student's ability to develop written arguments supporting their dream pursuit.

Criterion 1

Claim and Counterclaim Development

Effectiveness in developing claims and counterclaims with supporting evidence.

Exemplary

4 Points

Develops well-structured claims and counterclaims with strong, relevant evidence and anticipations of audience concerns.

Proficient

3 Points

Develops clear claims and counterclaims with appropriate evidence and some anticipation of audience concerns.

Developing

2 Points

Develops claims and counterclaims with limited evidence, lacking anticipation of audience concerns.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to develop claims and counterclaims, with little or no supporting evidence.

Criterion 2

Clarity and Organization of Arguments

Clarity and organization of written arguments supporting the dream pursuit.

Exemplary

4 Points

Presents arguments in a clear, logical, and engaging manner with exceptional organization.

Proficient

3 Points

Presents arguments clearly and logically with good organization.

Developing

2 Points

Presents arguments with some organization issues or lack of clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Arguments are disorganized and lack clarity.

Category 4

Multimedia Presentation Skills

Evaluation of the student's ability to effectively present findings through multimedia tools.

Criterion 1

Use of Multimedia Tools

Effectiveness in using multimedia tools to enhance a presentation about the dream pursuit.

Exemplary

4 Points

Skillfully uses multimedia tools to create an engaging, informative, and professional presentation.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses multimedia tools effectively to enhance presentation quality.

Developing

2 Points

Uses multimedia tools, but presentation lacks engagement or clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to use multimedia tools effectively, resulting in a basic presentation.

Criterion 2

Visual and Oral Presentation

Quality and clarity of visual and oral presentation of research findings.

Exemplary

4 Points

Delivers a captivating visual and oral presentation with high clarity and engagement.

Proficient

3 Points

Delivers a clear and effective visual and oral presentation.

Developing

2 Points

Presentation lacks consistency in clarity, with some engagement issues.

Beginning

1 Points

Presents with minimal clarity or engagement, struggling to maintain audience interest.

Reflection Prompts

End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learning

Question 1

Reflect on the strategies you used to conduct your research. What did you learn about evaluating the credibility of sources, and how will these skills serve you in future research projects or real-world applications?

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Question 2

Rate your confidence in distinguishing between credible and biased or unreliable information after completing this project.

Scale

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Question 3

What were the most significant challenges you faced when analyzing different mediums (e.g., text, video, multimedia) for varied perspectives on your topic? How did you overcome these challenges?

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Question 4

How effectively do you feel you were able to present your research findings using multimedia tools?

Scale

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Question 5

In what ways did the activities help you understand how authors structure their arguments and use evidence?

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Question 6

Which strategies from writing arguments in this project will you use in future endeavors to support your claims with evidence and counterclaims?

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