Treasure Chest of Thoughts

This week, my English 11 began the research process…with a cross-curricular connection:  this paper is both for our class and their US History class, as well as for possible entry into the National History Day competition.  Ah, the possibility of a trip to Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC!

The topic:  The Individual in History.  What person has had a significant impact on society, on history?

The assignment:  Gather four sources, create the bibliographical information, annotate the article, and determine whether each article is a primary or a secondary source. (This resource can be found at the above link.) Could be sources on four different individuals; could four sources on just one individual.  The student determines the variety as he/she finalizes the selection of the person who is to be the focus of the research paper….or documentary or exhibit or performance or website, for the student also chooses the format in which to present.

The reaction:  Everybody likes a good deal, right?  A two-for-one deal.  A grade for English, as well as for history class.  The light bulbs began to go off when I mentioned that!

I was really proud of their reactions.  For while I struggle with how to fit all aspects of the Language Arts curriculum within my allotted timeframe, I also realize that these are some very important skills that my students must learn to utilize:  to learn how to learn.