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World Wonder Informative Essay

Grade 6English3 days

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5.0 (1 rating)

In this project, sixth-grade students are tasked with researching and writing an informative essay about a World Wonder, aiming to explore the monument's unique qualities and historical significance. The project involves activities like designing a World Wonder, organizing research, drafting, and refining the essay through peer feedback, focusing on developing students' research, writing, and critical evaluation skills. Students are guided to evaluate reliable sources and structure their findings in a coherent manner to produce a comprehensive essay that communicates effectively to a diverse audience.

Informative EssayWorld WonderResearch SkillsWriting ProcessPeer ReviewCredibility EvaluationHistorical Significance

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Inquiry Framework

Question Framework

Driving Question

The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we explore and articulate the unique qualities and historical significance of a World Wonder through an informative essay?

Essential Questions

Supporting questions that break down major concepts.

What makes a world wonder unique compared to other historical or cultural sites?
How do world wonders reflect the achievements and values of their respective civilizations?
What research methods can be utilized to gather reliable information about a world wonder?
How can an informative essay effectively communicate the significance of a world wonder to a diverse audience?

Standards & Learning Goals

Learning Goals

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

Understand the unique qualities and historical significance of a selected World Wonder.
Develop skills in gathering and evaluating information from a variety of sources.
Enhance ability to communicate findings clearly and effectively through writing.
Learn to organize information logically in an informative essay.
Cultivate research skills, including source evaluation and citation.
Practice clear and coherent writing tailored to a specific audience and purpose.

Common Core Standards

6.W.2

Primary

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.Reason: This standard directly relates to the project by focussing on writing informative texts, which is the primary task of composing an essay about a World Wonder.

6.W.4

Primary

Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.Reason: Students need to produce clear and coherent writing that fits the essay format and is suitable for the audience, aligning perfectly with project goals.

6.W.7

Primary

Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and refocusing the inquiry where appropriate.Reason: Research is an integral part of understanding the World Wonder and writing the essay, making this standard highly relevant.

6.W.8

Primary

Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources; assess the credibility of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.Reason: This project involves gathering, assessing, and using information from various sources, which aligns well with this standard.

Entry Events

Events that will be used to introduce the project to students

Design Your World Wonder

Challenge students to design and present their version of a world wonder, taking into account cultural, historical, and architectural elements. This project will stimulate creative thinking and help them understand the complexities involved in the creation of monumental structures.

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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

Information Blueprint Creation

Students create an organized outline for their informative essay that includes key sections like introduction, main body, and conclusion, ensuring that they cover all necessary content areas.

Steps

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

1. Use graphic organizers to break down the essay into introduction, body, and conclusion.

2. Draft key points and subtopics for each section of the essay based on initial research.

3. Organize the points logically to create a cohesive structure.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityAn organized essay outline showing the main sections and key points of the essay.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAddresses 6.W.4 by developing a clear and organized structure for writing.

Activity 2

Research Expedition

In this activity, students conduct an in-depth research project to gather detailed information about their chosen World Wonder, utilizing various sources.

Steps

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

1. Locate and access multiple print and digital resources containing detailed information about the chosen World Wonder.

2. Evaluate the credibility of each source and take notes on key details and facts.

3. Document source details for citations in the final essay.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive research packet with detailed notes and source citations.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligned with standards 6.W.7 and 6.W.8 by focusing on research and source evaluation.

Activity 3

Drafting the Wonder: Essay Writing

Students begin writing their first draft, using the research and outline to develop a clear and coherent informative essay.

Steps

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

1. Introduction: Draft a captivating introduction that includes a thesis statement presenting the World Wonder chosen.

2. Body Paragraphs: Develop each section of the essay using the outline and research notes.

3. Conclusion: Summarize key points and restate the significance of the World Wonder.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete first draft of an informative essay on their chosen World Wonder.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports 6.W.2 by developing the content of the essay and 6.W.4 by producing coherent writing.

Activity 4

Final Touches: Polishing the Essay

Students focus on refining their drafts by correcting grammatical errors, improving sentence structure, and ensuring proper citations.

Steps

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

1. Edit the draft for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors.

2. Enhance sentence variety and word choice to improve readability.

3. Ensure all sources are correctly cited in a standard format.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA polished and final version of the informative essay ready for submission.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsFinalizes 6.W.8 by ensuring proper citation and 6.W.4 by refining style and correctness.

Activity 5

Peer Review Galore

Students participate in a peer review process to provide and receive constructive feedback on their drafts, focusing on clarity, coherence, and depth of content.

Steps

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

1. Exchange drafts with a partner and read the essay thoroughly.

2. Provide structured feedback using a peer review checklist focusing on clarity and completeness.

3. Revise the essay based on peer feedback, ensuring clarity and coherence.

Final Product

What students will submit as the final product of the activityA revised essay draft that incorporates peer feedback for improvement.

Alignment

How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsEngages with 6.W.4 by refining the organization and clarity of the writing to fit the purpose and audience.

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Rubric & Reflection

Portfolio Rubric

Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolio

Informative Essay on a World Wonder

Category 1

Research and Source Evaluation

Assesses the ability to locate, evaluate, and utilize credible sources to gather information about a World Wonder.

Criterion 1

Quality and Credibility of Sources

Evaluates the student's ability to select reliable and relevant sources for their research.

Exemplary

4 Points

Selects highly credible and diverse sources that add significant depth to the research.

Proficient

3 Points

Selects credible sources that effectively support the research.

Developing

2 Points

Selects some credible sources, but additional reliability is needed.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to select credible sources, reliance on limited or unreliable information.

Criterion 2

Note-Taking and Documentation

Measures the student's ability to take comprehensive notes and document sources accurately.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides thorough, organized notes with precise citation details, enhancing clarity and accuracy.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides clear, organized notes with correct source citations.

Developing

2 Points

Provides partial notes with some citation details, requiring more clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides limited notes with inadequate citation information.

Category 2

Essay Organization and Coherence

Assesses the logical structuring and clarity in presenting research findings in the essay.

Criterion 1

Outline Structure and Integration

Evaluates the effectiveness of the outline in structuring the essay logically and cohesively.

Exemplary

4 Points

Creates a highly logical, detailed outline that ensures strong coherence and integration of ideas.

Proficient

3 Points

Creates a logical outline that supports coherence and integration of ideas.

Developing

2 Points

Creates an outline with basic structure, but lacks detail and full coherence.

Beginning

1 Points

Creates an incomplete outline with weak structure and integration of ideas.

Criterion 2

Connection of Ideas and Transitions

Measures the clarity and flow between ideas within and between essay sections.

Exemplary

4 Points

Exhibits clear, seamless transitions that enhance the flow and connection of ideas throughout the essay.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses effective transitions to maintain clarity and flow between ideas.

Developing

2 Points

Uses basic transitions, but flow and clarity between ideas are inconsistent.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles with transitions; ideas are disjointed and unclear.

Category 3

Writing Quality and Content

Assesses the quality of writing and content accuracy in the informative essay.

Criterion 1

Content Depth and Accuracy

Evaluates how thoroughly and accurately the essay covers the chosen World Wonder.

Exemplary

4 Points

Provides comprehensive and precise explanations, demonstrating deep understanding and insight.

Proficient

3 Points

Provides thorough and accurate explanations with clear understanding.

Developing

2 Points

Provides basic explanations, but lacks depth and detailed accuracy.

Beginning

1 Points

Provides limited explanations lacking accuracy and depth.

Criterion 2

Writing Mechanics and Language Use

Measures the student's ability to use proper grammar, spelling, and vocabulary effectively.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates excellent control of grammar, usage, and vocabulary to enhance clarity and impact.

Proficient

3 Points

Uses grammar, usage, and vocabulary effectively to convey meaning.

Developing

2 Points

Shows emerging control of grammar and vocabulary, affecting clarity.

Beginning

1 Points

Contains frequent errors in grammar and vocabulary, hindering clarity.

Category 4

Revision and Feedback Integration

Assesses the ability to refine and improve the essay based on feedback and personal review.

Criterion 1

Integration of Peer Feedback

Measures how effectively the student incorporates feedback into revisions.

Exemplary

4 Points

Effectively integrates detailed feedback to make significant improvements.

Proficient

3 Points

Incorporates feedback to improve overall quality.

Developing

2 Points

Incorporates some feedback, but revisions lack depth.

Beginning

1 Points

Struggles to incorporate feedback, with minimal revisions.

Criterion 2

Self-Edit and Reflective Revisions

Evaluates how well the student self-assesses and revises their work for clarity and coherence.

Exemplary

4 Points

Demonstrates strong self-editing skills with substantive revisions enhancing clarity and coherence.

Proficient

3 Points

Demonstrates effective self-editing, leading to clear improvements.

Developing

2 Points

Shows basic self-editing skills with some improvements made.

Beginning

1 Points

Limited self-editing leading to minimal improvements.

Reflection Prompts

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

Question 1

Reflect on the overall process of researching and writing an informative essay about a World Wonder. What were the most rewarding and challenging aspects of this project?

Text

Required

Question 2

On a scale of 1 to 5, how would you rate your improvement in organizing and structuring essay content throughout this project?

Scale

Required

Question 3

Which skill do you think improved the most during this project: research, writing, or peer review? Why?

Text

Required

Question 4

How confident are you in your ability to evaluate the credibility of sources after completing the research activity?

Multiple choice

Required

Options

Very Confident

Somewhat Confident

Neutral

Slightly Confident

Not Confident at All

Question 5

Reflecting on the feedback received during the peer review process, how did it shape the final version of your essay?

Text

Required