8^th Grade Research Project

September-October 2007

St. Catherine of Siena School, Vallejo CA

Mr. Steven Federle

Women Pilots Take Off

Essential Question Your Task Project Timeline Evaluation Rubric Language Arts Standards St. Catherine Learning Expectations

Fact: In 1929, only 117 women were pilots in the United States. Now there are over 6,500 women pilots worldwide.

The Essential Question: How have women contributed to the growth of aviation in the United States and worldwide?

Your Task:

Research the career and life of a notable woman pilot, and write a report on your findings. Be sure to note your sources.

Your research essay must be typed, using Times New Roman 12 font, double spaced. You should write approximately 500 words (five paragraphs), and include pictures. All source material, including pictures, must be properly cited.

Project Timeline:

Week of September 17: we will review how to write a research paper during English class.

Wednesday September 19 and Friday September 21 Computer Classes for research note taking. Additional classroom computer time will be provided for research.

Week of September 24 is testing week; we will not work on this project at all during this week. You may, if you wish, continue working on it at home (optional).

October 1 and 2: writing drafts and peer reviewing in classroom during English class

October 4: proof-reading and final revisions in the classroom during English class.

October 9: final paper due at the start of English class (8:30 AM)

Evaluation Rubric: Click here to view the evaluation Rubric (on page 9 of the “Writing Workshop” pdf file).

Instructions for Submission:

Due Tuesday 10/9/07

You will submit this project in a clean, pocketed folder

• In the pockets you will include your research note and source cards (put a rubber band around them)

• Your Writing Workshop, with all pages completed

• Bound in the center posts of the folder, put your final essay and peer reviewed draft (final essay on top)

• Your name must be printed neatly on the outside of the folder, lower right corner.

• Make sure the name of your peer reviewer is on the bottom of the peer reviewed draft.

California Language Arts Standards demonstrated by this project: Writing 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 2.3; Written and Oral Conventions 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6.

St. Catherine of Siena School Student Learning Expectations demonstrated by this project:

1. Catholic Identity.  Our students:

- share God-given talents, gifts and resources with others through service and charity;

- demonstrate respect for all individuals and appreciation for the differences in those around us.

2. Christian citizenship  Our students:

- take responsibility for choices made and act with integrity and honesty;

- demonstrate leadership in academic pursuits and Christian service;

-  respect the rights of others in the school community or the world at large

3. Effective Communication and Expression.  Our students:

- demonstrate effective and correct writing skills;

- effectively use various methods of communication to express their unique thoughts, feelings and ideas.  

   4.   Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Ability to Analyze.  Our students:

       -       comprehend age appropriate work;

    -       demonstrate effective problem solving skills;

    -          demonstrate the ability to evaluate, predict and reflect on topics.

5.  Oral and Listening Skills.   Our students:

      -        actively listen and are able to follow oral directions;

    6. Work ethic, Organization, and Collaboration.  Our students:

        - take personal responsibility for their schoolwork and assignments and develop good

                 organizational skills.