Purpose: To learn more about an ancient figure from an ancient civilization. To introduce research procedures we will be using throughout the year.

Step 1:  Use your social studies textbook to find out about the people below.  Choose one person you would like to research.  Highlight your choice.

Step 2:  Become familiar with the questions you will be answering with your research.

• Background information:
  • When was your person alive? (This may be approximate.)
  • What civilization did your person belong to?
• What important things did your person do?

Step 3:  Use titles, table of contents, and indexes to find sources that help you answer the above questions.  Each time you use a new source, record the source information below.  You are required to have at least 2 sources. One of the sources must be a book and it could be your social studies text.

Social Studies Text

1.      Author: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _______________________________________________________________

Place of Publication: __________________________________________________

Copyright Date: ___________  Publisher: _________________________________

Books

2.      Author: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _______________________________________________________________

 Place of Publication: __________________________________________________

Copyright Date: __________  Publisher: __________________________________

3.      Author: _____________________________________________________________

Title: _______________________________________________________________

 Place of Publication: __________________________________________________

Copyright Date: __________  Publisher: __________________________________

Encyclopedia (Print)

4.      Author: _____________________________________________________________

Name of Encyclopedia: ________________________________________________

Title of Article: _______________________________________________________

Date of Publication: _______________

Volume: ________________

Pages Used: _____________

Internet Sites (Author and copyright date are often missing)

5.      Title of Website: ______________________________________________________

URL (web address): ___________________________________________________

Author: _____________________________________________________________

Copyright Date: ________________   Date you visited: ______________________

Step 3: Start reading your sources and taking notes about facts that help you answer your research questions.

Note-Taking Guidelines

• Always write your notes in your own words.
• Write your notes in caveman talk (as few words as possible/only the main idea).
• Only write 1 thought or idea on each card.
• Label your note card with a source number.

Note Card Samples

 Research Notes Evaluation

Each note card:

_____ is written in caveman talk in 5 words or less.

_____is written in the researcher’s own words.

_____ includes a source number. 

_____ Quantity of note cards matches the amount of time given.

_____ Bibliography is up to date.

            +              exceptional                                                                          Possible Points 10

                            average

--             poor                                                                                      Points Earned _______

Step 4: Organize your notes.  Use the chart to organize your notes for why your person was important.

 Thesis (Includes background information and a statement about importance): _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Conclusion:  _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Step 5: Write a paragraph about your person starting with the thesis and ending with a conclusion.  Be sure to support your thesis with facts and explanations.

Step 6: Practice reading your paragraph as a speech.  You will be giving your speech on Wednesday, October 31.

Step 7: Design a costume using information from your research.  On October 31, bring your costume. 

Rubric