Research Project Requirements 2012

We will use parenthetical documentation and a works cited page that is typically used with MLA documentation (MLA = Modern Language Association). Explanations of how to document your research are attached. You may also access the official MLA website at http://www.mla.org for additional help. While in the library, the librarians will show you how to access and use Noodletools which will help you with your works cited page and parenthetical documentation.

ABSOLUTE REQUIREMENTS!

The research paper MUST be typed. If you do not have access to a computer, you may use the computers in the library before or after school. We will not be in the computer lab at all during research, so we will only be in the library the week of April 2nd-April 6th. If you need to type your paper at school, this will be the only time available as the lab and library are completely booked.

Each section in your paper should be written in paragraph form and MUST include information from a documented source and include proper parenthetical (in-text) citations. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions for each section. Some sections may have more than one source and more than one citation.

You must have a MINIMUM of five (5) entries on the Works Cited page. Of these five sources, you must have at least 1 print source, but you must cite every source. You may not use wikipedia as a source and you must make sure all your sources are reliable and not someone’s personal website or blog.

You will not receive any credit for your research paper without a Works Cited page. This enables me (and any other reader) to see where the information has been gathered.

Listed are the due dates and points assigned for the research project. Since you are aware of each due date, the dates will not be adjusted for snow days or absences. If you are absent on any library days, you will need to go to the library on your own time to do any research missed.

Your paper will be presented in tri-fold poster board format, and you will present your presentation to the class the week of April 16th-20th.

Section 1: Tri-fold Poster

Your poster will contain at least three pictures: one picture is of the college you plan on attending, one is of the career you selected, and one goal oriented picture. The goal picture is something you have to do in order to reach your ultimate career goal.

Your poster will include all print, non-verbal portions of the presentation

Your poster will include your name and hour, college of choice, and career of choice.

You can use any font you like so BE CREATIVE!

Section 2: Introduction (Verbal)

For your presentation you will tell about the pictures you chose for your cover. You must have at least three descriptive statements (one for each picture you tell about).

Section 3: College (Entrance Requirements) (print)

Research a college you would like to attend.

Look at cost of tuition, room and board, admittance requirements, majors offered, as well as other areas of interest. Information must be presented in graph format.

Example:

Tuition	$$$per semester (citation)
Room	$$$ (citation)
Meal Plan	$$$ (citation)
Admittance requirements	GPA/ACT score (citation)
Majors offered	3-that interest you (citation)
Other areas of interest	List interests (citation)

Use proper parenthetical citations and include your sources on the works cited page.

OR

If you are not going to attend college what are your plans? What tech or trade school can you attend to gain skills?

If planning on taking the GED test what does it take to pass the test, how much does it cost to take the test?

Can you do an apprentice program? How do you get into the program? What is required of you?

Be sure to use proper citations and include your source on the works cited page.

This will be written in paragraph format

Section 4: Career (verbal and written)

Discuss your career plans

You MAY NOT research professional singer, actor, sports icon, or musician. No: “I’m going to be the next Kanye” papers.

Research your desired career and include earning potential, requirements for employment, salary, et and put this in a graph format use the website http://www.bls.gov to find this information:

Example

Career	List the job you want
Starting pay	$$$ (citation)
Maximum earning potential	$$$ (citation)
Requirements for employment	Degree Training Years of experience (citation)
Average salary	$$$ (citation)

If possible, interview an expert/employee in the field for additional information.

Be sure to include your sources on the works cited page.

Section 6: Resume (print)

Create a resume based on your experience so far; include all work history, academic history, and goals/achievements. You may use the resume builder on Microsoft Word.

Include this on your poster.

This section will not have citations

Section 7: Life (print)

Where would you like to live and what kind of house would you like to live in? Research housing and cost-of-living for the area in which you’d like to live.

This section must include a realistic budget for monthly living expenses: groceries, mortgage, car payment, car insurance, electric, etc. in graph format.

Include pictures of any houses , cars, etc. that you would like to have.

Be sure to use proper citations and include your source on the works cited page.

Section 8: Conclusion (Verbal)

Explain what you learned about your college and career. Did your future life/cost-of-living match your earning potential. Will you have to adjust your goals or work harder in one part of your goals?*No documentation/citations for the conclusion.

Additional Requirements/Supplies:

On library days meet in the library. Daily grades will be taken while your research is in progress. It is your responsibility to have your assignments checked or handed in on due dates.

If you have a planned absence, or an unplanned absence on the last day the research paper is due, you must turn in your paper the day before or send it by a responsible person.

**GLUE your works cited page on the back of the poster and include your MLA heading**