Created byKris Ayres-Klarer
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Social Issues Research and Solution Proposal
Grade 11English18 days
In this project-based learning experience, 11th-grade students engage in a comprehensive research and writing process centered around pressing social issues within their communities. Students begin by identifying significant social issues and conducting in-depth research to evaluate these issues critically. They then draft explanatory texts and detailed proposals, each supported by annotated bibliographies, to suggest ethical and actionable solutions. The project culminates in a persuasive presentation, allowing students to communicate their findings and proposals effectively, while reflecting on the ethical considerations and diverse perspectives involved.Social IssuesResearchExplanatory TextsProposalsAnnotated BibliographyEthical ConsiderationsPersuasive Presentation
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Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can students effectively research and propose actionable and ethical solutions to the most pressing social issues impacting our community today, while creating insightful explanatory texts and proposals supported by annotated bibliographies?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What are the most pressing social issues impacting our community today?
- How can we effectively research and analyze social issues?
- What are the key components of a well-written explanatory text on a social issue?
- How does one go about drafting a compelling proposal to address a social issue?
- What is the importance of an annotated bibliography in research projects?
- How can different perspectives contribute to our understanding of a social issue?
- What role does evidence play in strengthening an argument or proposal?
- In what ways can we measure the potential impact of proposed solutions to social issues?
- How does understanding the historical context of a social issue enhance our current approach to addressing it?
- What ethical considerations should researchers be aware of when proposing solutions to social issues?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will be able to conduct thorough research on a contemporary social issue, using a range of sources.
- Students will create a well-structured explanatory text that clearly conveys their research findings and explains the importance of the issue.
- Students will produce a detailed proposal suggesting actionable solutions to the social issue they researched.
- Students will compile an annotated bibliography that includes diverse sources, demonstrating their ability to evaluate and synthesize information.
- Students will demonstrate their ability to present a persuasive argument, supported by evidence, in their written proposal.
- Students will understand the ethical considerations involved in researching and proposing solutions to social issues.
Common Core Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2
Primary
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.Reason: The project involves writing explanatory texts on social issues, requiring clear and accurate communication of complex ideas.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7
Primary
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.Reason: Students will engage in research on social issues, synthesizing information from multiple sources to understand and propose solutions.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8
Primary
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.Reason: The project involves gathering information from multiple sources and creating an annotated bibliography to support research.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.9
Secondary
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.Reason: Students will need to draw evidence from texts to support their research and proposals for social issues.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1
Secondary
Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.Reason: Students need to draft proposals which require argumentation to support their solutions to social issues.
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsInstant Influence: Creating Viral Campaigns
Students watch a series of short, impactful social media campaigns that went viral. They are challenged to create a campaign for a selected social issue, encouraging them to think critically about what makes content shareable and influencing public behavior.📚
Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Activity 1
Issue Identification Quest
Students will begin their research journey by first identifying a pressing social issue that resonates both with their interests and with the community's needs. This activity sets the stage for meaningful engagement and exploration throughout the project.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Conduct brainstorming sessions in groups to list various social issues impacting the community.
2. Discuss each issue to evaluate its significance and relevance.
3. Choose one issue to focus on, ensuring it is narrow and researchable.
4. Document your chosen issue in a research journal with reasons for selection.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA research journal entry detailing the chosen social issue and the reasoning behind its selection.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.7, focusing on conducting a research project by identifying a question or problem.Activity 2
Source Sleuth: Bibliography Building
Students will develop skills in sourcing information by gathering and assessing multiple print and digital sources relevant to their chosen social issue. They will learn to evaluate the credibility of each source and compile an annotated bibliography.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Perform advanced searches using digital databases and library resources to locate sources on the chosen issue.
2. Evaluate the credibility and reliability of each source considering the task, purpose, and audience.
3. Select a minimum of five authoritative sources that will be used to understand the social issue.
4. Create an annotated bibliography entry for each source, summarizing its content and explaining its relevance.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn annotated bibliography that includes at least five sources, each with a summary and relevance statement.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.8, focusing on gathering information from multiple sources and creating an annotated bibliography.Activity 3
Explanatory Essay Exploration
Students will write an informative/explanatory essay that examines and conveys their understanding of the chosen social issue. This will help them articulate the complexity of the issue and the multiple perspectives that surround it.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Draft an outline that organizes major points, evidence, and sources logically.
2. Write a draft focusing on clear and accurate communication of ideas.
3. Incorporate evidence and perspectives from gathered sources to support the analysis.
4. Revise and edit the essay to enhance clarity, coherence, and logical flow.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA well-structured essay examining the chosen social issue, integrating multiple perspectives and evidence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2, focusing on writing informative/explanatory texts conveying complex ideas and information.Activity 4
Proposal Power: Creating Solutions
In this activity, students will leverage their research to draft a compelling proposal offering actionable solutions to the social issue. They will practice writing arguments and providing supporting evidence.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Analyze research findings to identify potential solutions to the social issue.
2. Draft an outline for the proposal, highlighting key solutions and supporting arguments with evidence.
3. Write a detailed proposal using valid reasoning and relevant evidence to support the proposed solutions.
4. Review and refine the proposal for clarity and persuasiveness.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive proposal that offers plausible and ethical solutions to the social issue, supported by evidence.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1, focusing on writing arguments to support claims with valid reasoning and evidence.Activity 5
Persuasion Presentation: The Pitch
Students will create and deliver a presentation that summarizes their research, explanatory essay, and proposal. They will develop public speaking skills and learn to present their ideas persuasively to an audience.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.1. Prepare a presentation outline summarizing the social issue, key findings, and proposed solutions.
2. Create a visually engaging presentation using multimedia tools, if possible.
3. Practice delivering the presentation to peers for feedback and improvement.
4. Present the project to an audience, focusing on persuasion and clarity of communication.
Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA persuasive presentation that effectively communicates the research findings and proposed solutions to the social issue.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.1 and CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.9, focusing on presenting arguments with reasoning and evidence, and drawing from research to support analysis.🏆
Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioSocial Issue Research and Proposal Rubric
Category 1
Research and Inquiry
Assessment of the student's ability to effectively research and understand social issues.Criterion 1
Identification of Social Issues
The student identifies social issues of significance and relevance based on community needs.
Exemplary
4 PointsConsistently identifies high-impact social issues thoroughly relevant to the community, with innovative insights.
Proficient
3 PointsIdentifies relevant social issues that reflect a strong understanding of community needs.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies social issues but with limited relevance or depth related to community needs.
Beginning
1 PointsIdentifies social issues with minimal relevance to community needs and understanding.
Criterion 2
Source Evaluation
The student evaluates the credibility and relevance of sources used in their research process.
Exemplary
4 PointsCritically evaluates and selects sources, demonstrating exceptional discernment and relevance.
Proficient
3 PointsEffectively evaluates and selects sources relevant to the research topic.
Developing
2 PointsEvaluates sources with partial discernment of credibility and relevance.
Beginning
1 PointsEvaluates sources with little regard for credibility or relevance.
Category 2
Communication and Writing
Assessment of the student's ability to communicate complex ideas through explanatory texts and proposals.Criterion 1
Clarity and Coherence in Writing
The student writes with clarity and logical coherence, maintaining a logical flow of ideas.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits exceptional clarity, coherence, and logical organization in writing with seamless transitions.
Proficient
3 PointsMaintains clarity and coherence with organized thought and logical flow of ideas.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic clarity but with inconsistent coherence and organization in writing.
Beginning
1 PointsLacks clarity and coherence with disorganized thought in writing.
Criterion 2
Argumentation and Evidence
The student uses valid reasoning and evidence to support claims in their proposals and explanatory texts.
Exemplary
4 PointsPresents compelling arguments supported by innovative reasoning and multiple sources of evidence.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents strong arguments supported by reasoning and sufficient evidence.
Developing
2 PointsDevelops arguments with limited reasoning and insufficient evidence.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to build arguments with minimal reasoning and scarce evidence.
Category 3
Collaboration and Presentation
Assessment of the student's ability to collaborate and present research findings and solutions effectively.Criterion 1
Collaborative Engagement
The student contributes effectively in collaborative settings, exchanging ideas and solutions.
Exemplary
4 PointsExhibits leadership and consistently fosters productive collaboration that enhances project quality.
Proficient
3 PointsContributes positively to group dynamics and collaborates well with peers.
Developing
2 PointsParticipates in group collaboration with partial engagement and contribution.
Beginning
1 PointsShows limited participation or contribution to collaborative efforts.
Criterion 2
Presentation Skills
The student presents information clearly, using effective multimedia tools and persuasive techniques.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers presentations with exceptional clarity, persuasiveness, and engaging use of multimedia tools.
Proficient
3 PointsPresents information clearly and persuasively with competent use of multimedia tools.
Developing
2 PointsPresents information with basic clarity but lacks persuasive and multimedia elements.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to present information clearly and lacks engagement with audience.
Reflection Prompts
End-of-project reflection questions to get students to think about their learningQuestion 1
What have you learned about conducting thorough research on a contemporary social issue through this project?
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Question 2
On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your ability to create a well-structured explanatory text before and after this project?
Scale
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Question 3
What challenges did you face when creating a detailed proposal suggesting actionable solutions to a social issue, and how did you overcome them?
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Question 4
How did creating an annotated bibliography enhance your understanding and synthesis of diverse sources?
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Question 5
Which aspect of your persuasive presentation do you feel contributed most to effectively communicating your research findings and proposed solutions?
Multiple choice
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Options
Visuals
Speech
Data Presented
Q&A Session
Overall Flow
Question 6
What ethical considerations arose during your research and proposal creation, and how did you address these?
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Question 7
How well did you integrate different perspectives into your explanatory essay, and what impact did this have on your understanding of the social issue?
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