Name

____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Seventh Grade Biographical Research

Completing a Multi-Genre/Multi-Media Project

Common Core Standards addressed by this project:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.2 Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas, concepts, and
information through the selection, organization, and analysis of relevant content.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons
and evidence logically.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1b Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible
sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are
appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and
cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and
generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms
effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of
others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

This packet should be handled with care! You will only receive ONE print copy of this packet. You can
upload and print additional copies of this packet at on your teachers lesson plans, but you will be
responsible for completing any items over again to receive full credit if this packet is lost.

You may work either independently or with a partner on this project, but BOTH partners will be
responsible for maintaining and turning in ALL portions of the assignment. Choose a partner carefully as
you will not be able to switch once research has begun. You will be graded independently on the
contributions you make to your project, yet YOUR grade will reflect the care and commitment of your
partner, especially on the multimedia portion of your project since you will only have one oral
presentation.

Over the next few weeks you will be working through the process of completing your research project.
As you complete your project, please pay close attention to deadlines and follow all directions carefully.
Deadlines that are listed are subject to change at the teachers discretion and may be revised due to
weather-related delays and cancellations, testing schedules, or other unforeseen conditions.

Research, note-taking and writing strategies will be taught in the classroom to help prepare you to
complete your project. The project has several components that will be graded separately and will be
part of a cumulative research project grade. The remainder of this document explains the requirements
for each section of the research project and presentation, the point value for that section, and the date
the section is due.

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

18 March 2016

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

All seventh-grade students are required to complete a short research project. The main objectives are: 1. To
become familiar with the research process and MLA formatting; 2. To learn to summarize information, cite sources,
and give proper credit to avoid plagiarism; 3. To differentiate between primary and secondary resources, and 4. To
ask and answer higher-level questions in order to make an assertion about a famous persons contribution to
society. Although we will go through the process step-by-step and will complete much of this in class, there are
portions of the assignment that will be required for homework. As we move along, I will give a tentative due date
for the final project. I am anticipating this project lasting about 3-4 weeks.

The research project will be a multi-genre, multimedia biographical research project on a famous person (either
living or deceased). I will be sending home a list of possible research topics, but note that there are some new
biographies that have not made the list yet, so students may have other options once the research materials are
brought to class. Your son/daughter should choose a person about whom he/she knows something and who is of
some interest to him/her. This research project will simply provide additional insight. Both teacher and parental
permission is required on the research subject before a student can begin. Students will use at least 2 of the
following resources for his/her research:

1.
Bookbiography or autobiography
B.
www.powerlibrary.net
A.
With 1 author
C.
CD Rom
B.
With 2 authors
3.
Interview (video, transcript, live)
C.
With multiple authors or editors
4.
TV/Video Program/Documentary
2.
Encyclopedia
5.
Journal article, letter, speech, address,
A.
Reference book
memoir, etc.

*** NOTEThe above resources may be accessed electronically but are still considered print resources.
Students may supplement their research with additional sources but MUST use at least two of the above sources
on this project. Electronic resources (websites) may not be the sole resources for this project. Wikipedia will not be
acknowledged as a reliable source.

Please discuss possible topics for the research paper with your son or daughter and try to determine what
resources your child will have available to him or her in addition to the resources here at Trafford Middle. As we
have limited access to the Internet, most web-based research should be completed either after school or during
study hall. Students who have a library card from a public library can access the PA Power Library, which will
enable them to find encyclopedia and periodical information on the Internet. Encourage your child to choose his or
her topic carefully; students will not be allowed to change topics once research begins. Students will identify their
final topics within the next few days.

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

There are several times throughout the process when you will be asked to sign or initial various steps. I appreciate
your cooperation in doing so promptly. I will post all teacher-created resources on teacher lesson plans for access
from home. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at any time.


Sincerely,
Mrs. Brandy Lockwood
7th Grade Language Arts/Literature

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Grade 7 Research Project Step By Step

Week 1: Preliminary Planning (3/18-3/24)
1. Brainstorm a list of people that you would like to research following mini-lesson on preliminary
research & review the levels of questions we will be asking (Socratic seminar).
2. Do preliminary research to determine whether you can find enough information on your topic &
develop a list of central questions to answer in your research.
3. Narrow your topic and lock in your choice (requires both parental & teacher approval).
4. Generate a list of higher-level questions that you could answer about the contribution your
subject has made to society - questions that you would like to answer to educate and inform
your audience. Think of something to provewhat assertion will you propose for your research?
5. Look at sample Multi-Genre Projects & begin to think about which genres of writing you would
enjoy using to present your information and to prove your assertion.

Weeks 2-3: Research (3/30-4/9)
1. Learn how to navigate Easybib & other online resources.
2. Locate reference section of the library.
3. Complete your research after selecting appropriate resources: you should have a minimum of
two primary sources from the approved sources list.
4. Create electronic bibliography cards for each resource using Easybib.
5. Answer each of your questions on two-column note sheets (be sure to cite your resources) in
phrases or paraphrased sentences. (Be sure you get the same answers from multiple resources!)
6. Clarify/finalize an assertion about your subject. What will your project show?
7. Sort your notes & create sub-topics in order; then, decide which information you will use in each
portion of your project.

Weeks 3 & 4: Putting It All Together (4/9-4/22) presentations to take place 4/25-4/29
1. Think about what information will be used and blended with narrative flair to create the various
portions of your project.
2. Turn your research questions into statements for your rationale statement on your Dear
Reader page.
3. Begin planning and creating various project components, using proper MLA citation throughout
the project.
4. Compile recordings of speeches, commentaries or other audio files, photos, videos, and other
multimedia sources to use in creating a multi-media product for your oral presentation.
5. Work on and tweak all components of the research project.
6. Decide if your project will be created electronically or as a print document.

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Multi-Genre Biographical Research Project

Timeline/Point Values
This is an exciting project where you will research and make an assertion about a prominent
person that has impacted society in some way.
Do the tasks in the following sequence:
1. Research.
2. Create two-column notes (or another format that is similar)
3. Write.
4. Collect images/video/audio files that support the writing.
5. Construct project portfolio.
6. Complete a Works Cited page.
7. Create a multi-media oral presentation using ThingLink (or another program that your
teacher requires).

Project Requirements (125 points possible) see rubric for specific breakdown
1. Cover Page: This cover page does NOT need to follow MLA format and can be fun, creative
and colorful. You must have the following information on your cover page, but you can
present it with creative flair:
a. Your name
d. A picture or pictures of
b. The due date
your person
c. The name of the person
e. A Table of Contents
you are researching
2. Dear Reader Letter: This will be a 3-5-paragraph letter including an introduction, 1-3 body
paragraph(s) and a conclusion. Your letter introduces your project, and it should be
informative and engaging. Included should be an assertion (thesis statement) that shows
your reader what your project will teach them (AKA what you learned along the way.) You
may turn your research questions into statements, so your audience knows what to expect to
learn about your subject in the rest of your project. Note-- Assignment #4 will help you in
completing this assignment, so be sure to complete it thoroughly!

3. Narrative/Traditional Research Essay Paragraphs should have clear topic sentences and are
developed with facts and examples from research. Your writing should include key life events and
discussion of individuals impact on society while reflecting use of transitions moving from idea to
idea and from paragraph to paragraph. In-text citations should be used to give credit to sources
from which newly-learned information came.

4. Multi-Genre Entries (minimum # assigned in your class; you may complete more if you wish! I will
grade the one(s) you select for me to grade.)-- Each entry (artifact) will be written in a different
writing genre, chosen from the list given to you. If you complete more than two, you may use
a genre more than once. The look of the pages should reflect the writing genre used. Be
creative. Integrate images where appropriate.

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

5. Works Cited: Prepare a Works Cited using the proper format, listing all your sources of
information, including audio, video and images.

6. Research Portfolio: You should have a 3-ring binder or a pocket folder to keep all the
materials given to you and those you create. The portfolio is the evidence of all your
research and work. The components are graded as they are due. The portfolio should
include notecards with the following information:
1. MINIMUM 15 notes (3 pages of two-column
3. 1 Fact/Question per note
note sheets)
4. Page number from book, article, webpage,
2. MINIMUM 2 bibliography cards
etc where information was gathered.


7. Electronic Copy is optional; you may create an entirely DIGITAL (online) version of your project using
a variety of sources.

Research Paper Deadlines and Point Values

Activity #1-Preview research packet

Activity #2Preliminary research

Activity #3 Previewing MG projects

Activity #4Dear Reader outline/contract
Activity #5-- Project Proposal/Action Plan
Notes (2-column) (15 min.)
Final Multi-Genre Project

Due Date
3/21
Points-10**homework
Due Date
3/24
Points-10**homework
Due Date
3/24 Points-10**homework
Due Date
_________
Points-10**writing wks.
Due Date
_________
Points-10**homework
Due Date
_________
Points-20**literature
Due Date
4/25 Points-85 X 2
**Literature/writing wks. (double grade)
Due Date
4/25
Points- 40**literature

Oral Presentation






*Total Points 280 possible in all

* Point total is subject to change at the teachers discretion based upon the need to add/delete/change
process assignments along the way.
**Some components will be tallied as literature grades, some will be under writing workshop, and some
will be under homework/class participation (thus affecting the weight of the particular assignment).

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

An Important Note About Plagiarism
Your research paper is collaboration between you and your sources. To be fair and honest, you must
indicate when you borrow another writer's ideas or words. You do this by documenting, or citing, your
sources. "Citing your sources," means nothing more than telling your reader whose ideas or words you
have used and where you found them. To use someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit
is dishonest. It is called plagiarism. Plagiarism is very serious.

Two different acts are considered plagiarism: (1) borrowing someone's ideas, information, or words
without citing the source and (2) citing the source, but paraphrasing the source too closely, without
using quotation marks to indicate that words and phrases have been borrowed.

You must, of course, document all direct quotations. You must also document any ideas borrowed from
a source: paraphrases of sentences, summaries of paragraphs or chapters, statistics or little-known facts,
and tables, graphs, or diagrams.

The only exception is common knowledge or information that your readers could find in any number of
general sources because it is commonly known. For example, everyone knows that Frankfort is the
capital of Kentucky. It is common knowledge and would not have to be cited.

In summary, do not plagiarize. Document all quotations and borrowed ideas. Avoid paraphrases that
closely resemble your sources. *

The text of this section is adapted from Hacker, Diana. The Bedford Handbook for Writers. Boston:
Bedford Books of St. Martin's Press, 1991.

Plagiarism will result in a 0 grade for the portion(s) of this project that are affected.


Portions of this packet have been uploaded and revised from an unnamed source found at
http://www.sps678la.com/web_documents/seventh_grade_research_paper_packet.doc.

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Pre-Research Assignment #1due on 3/21

Research Paper Packet Receipt
____/10 Points*
Please review with your child the research paper guidelines as outlined in this packet. After you have
read through the packet, please sign and return this receipt.

I understand there will be due dates to help me stay organized in the research project.
I understand and accept my responsibilities for this assignment.
I will ask if I have questions at any step along the way.
I realize there will be points deducted for late, missing, and/or incomplete assignments.
I have read and discussed with my teacher and parent (s)/guardian (s) the overall objectives
and criteria for the seventh grade biographical research project. I agree to the following
guidelines:

To complete all assignments on time to the best of my ability.
To keep all my papers neatly in my research folder; if not, I will redo them.
To ask questions if I do not understand assignments.
To have materials with me at all timesnot at home or in my locker.
To take full responsibility for my work at home and at school.

I understand that my completed research project is due by ___________, 2016. I understand I
need to use my library/in class research time wisely that I am given each day and ask for help
when I need it. I understand I may need to work on this outside of class time if needed. I
understand that all work should be my own. I understand that I must meet all project
requirements in order to achieve a successful learning experience and satisfactory evaluation
on the project/paper.

Students signature ___________________________________________ Date ____________

Parents signature ____________________________________________ Date ____________

Teachers signature ___________________________________________ Date ____________

*Students will lose 2 points each day this is late!
Questions I still have are:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Pre-Research Assignment #2due BY 3/24

Preliminary Research Activity
____/10 Points

Your goal is to pick three (3) possible topics for your research project.
The individual you select must meet the following criteria:
1. He/She must have made some impact on society.
2. He/She must be researchable (we will discuss what this means).
3. He/She must be approved by a parent.

Homework:
List your three (3) choices, along with three (3) things you would like to learn about each
person. Refer to the levels of questioning resource you were given in class when we did
Socratic Seminars. We will go to the lab to do preliminary research on your possible topics, so
you can see if you are able to find enough current information on him or her.

It is a good idea to pick someone that is not too new, so that you are able to find reliable
information. You should use the Internet to look up books, magazines, periodicals, newspaper
articles, etc. on your potential topics; do NOT rely on only websites for your research. If you are
unable to locate at least two (2) print sources, you will want to choose another topic to
research. If you have a reliable source at home, you may list it as one of your resources.

Topic 1: ______________________________________________________________
3 thick questions I want to answer
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
3 resources I found for this topic - *One must be a print resource
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
Topic 2: _____________________________________________________________________
3 thick questions I want to answer
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________

Last Edited March 2016

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

3 resources I found for this topic - *One must be a print resource
1. _______________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________

Topic 3: ____________________________________________________________________
3 thick questions I want to answer
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________________
3 resources I found for this topic - *One must be a print resource
1. ________________________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________________
3. ________________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature: __________________________________________________________

My child _________________________________ has my permission to research any of the three
people he/she has listed above.

Last Edited March 2016

10

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Pre-Research Assignment #3

_____/10 Points
Previewing Multi-Genre Research Projects
Due by 3/24

A. View sample projects using the links below. Please view at least 3 projects from different links!

Middle School Level: http://writefromtheheartclasses.com/research-projects.php
A Teachers Sample: https://sites.google.com/a/weberschool.org/jane-austen/
High School Level: http://www.users.muohio.edu/romanots/mgrpapers.htm

B. List the project titles here (hintthe subject should be in the title!)

1.
2.
3.

C. Determine what you like about each & what you LEARNED from each.

What I liked about each

What I learned from each

1.

2.

3.



D. Identify important aspects/differences between & among the formats. How did each person share his
or her information differently?
Similarities/Differences--Write a brief statement here:

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Last Edited March 2016

11

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

E. Ask yourself what made one stand out for YOU. Make a statement to sum up your findings. I
believe/feel/concur:
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

F. Decide which format or genre of writing you would ENJOY the most.
What is a writing genre (in your own words)?

http://www.suzanne-williams.com/formsof.htm

_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Partial List of Writing Genres Circle 3 you would MOST like to use for your writing.

Memoir
News Article
Script
Poem
Letter


Narrative/Short Story

Diary
Other


*view the link with the genre types to figure out what other means

http://writing.colostate.edu/gallery/multigenre/genrelist.html

Last Edited March 2016

12

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Pre-Research Assignment #4
Outline for Dear Reader Letter

____/10 Points

1. What is your FINAL topic or area of research?



2. Why is this subject important to you?



3. What do you hope to learn or accomplish through learning about this persons life? How do you
think it will help you in a meaningful and real way?




4. What do you already know about this person?




5. What questions do you want to answer through your research? Write at least five questions.

6. What information sources do you think you will use or need as of right now?

The purpose of my Multi-Genre paper will be to inform. My BASIC assertion at this

point is as follows:

___________________________________________
___________________________________________

Last Edited March 2016

13

Name ____________________________________________________________________________
Biographical Research Grade 7
Portions of this project have been adapted from the work of Buffy Hamilton
http://theunquietlibrarian.wikispaces.com/multigenre_research_presentation

Assignment #5--Multi-Genre Research Project Action Plan & Proposal_______/10

Task

Date I Plan To Complete It

Actions I need to
take to ensure
success

Table of Contents

*Notethis is the last thing you do

Dear Reader Letter

Narrative/Traditional Research Essay


Multi-Genre Artifact 1

*Notethis is the second to last

thing you douse Assignment #4
to help you

Multi-Genre Artifact 2
(*if assigned)

3rd Artifact for partners only
Self-Reflection/Self-Assessment
**Form/ will be provided

Works Cited Page

Thinglink Multi-Media Presentation

Cover Page

****Along with this planning sheet, you will draft a project proposal by your teachers
guidelines.

Last Edited March 2016

14