I am a high school English teacher and I need to plan their spring term papers. I don't want to do the regular stuff that I have done for the last ten years. I am looking for some new ideas. The paper can really be on anything and of course, I want to be entertained. Last year I did 'year' papers, I have done important women, writers, presidents, African-Americans, Change, NYC, places around America, etc....
my old school did that with 9th grade...they would write one paper for both (you don't have to have the SS grade it...just have their imput) -- they related historical 'dictators' to Julius Caesar (they read that in English)
What about making them take their paper and present in in power point?
a social problem in the world? ie AIDS, etating disorders, teen pregnancy, school violence
What grade are you teaching, I am planning a unit focusing on The Crucible now(I'm just a grad student not a teacher yet ) and I plan to teach it with the Salem Witch Trials, maybe they can research the book and the trials or something along those lines?
WeddingsRock
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
I teach 11th and 12th graders. The term paper is for my 12th graders. I do not have to assign them a lit based paper. For example, my department chair is having them conduct research on all of the subjects that doesn't have time to research. Topics such as the interest in Starbucks, McDonalds, places such as Red Rock, The Grand Canyon...These are just a few of them.
My other partner in crime is focusing on issues in history that have created change: The walk on the moon, Iran Contra Scandals, McCarthyism, Prince, Elvis, Madonna, etc.
With trying to have a baby, my mind has been else where and I must admit that I see the students getting pumped about these topics and I want them to get excited about mine as well.
Any thoughts?
Eireann
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
I'm also a high school English teacher. I teach 10th, 11th, and AP. I don't know if this helps at all since it's based on lit, but another teacher and I do this with our juniors:
We have them select a book that we've read this year and act as a therapist for a character in the novel/play. They have to research a psychological issue and prove that it applies to one of the characters. For example, research hypochondria (its causes, symptoms, cure, etc.) and apply it to Zeena from Ethan Frome. One of the characters in The Joy Luck Club is bulimic I think, so that applies. Willy Loman is a good candidate for several psychological issues also. There are several others (I'm sure you get the idea), but I don't have the assignment on me at the moment.
I hope this was somewhat useful!!
missmmpr
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
In 12th grade, my topic for the research paper was whether or not illegal drugs should be legalized... ...I said yes, although I do not think I agree with that now..
julz33
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
When I was a senior in highschool, our teacher assigned us a paper that benefited me throughout college. We had to write 'The history and development of...' We were suppossed to pick something that we were interesed in, like something we would have as a major in college. It had to be at least 10 pages and include a certain amt. of references. I did The HIstory and Development of Genetic Engineering (I was a biochem major) and seriously writing this paper gave me a big advantage in college.
WeddingsRock
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
Thank you ladies so much. After a snooze this afternoon and chatting with DH, I think I am going to do something with Science and Technology. How did X change life in the world. (ie, internet, television, radio, automobile, gender selection, IVF,) What do you think about that?
julz33
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
Good Idea! But I think the paper would be Loooong! Maybe they should focus on one or two of the major changes so they can go into more depth.
WeddingsRock
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
Oh Definately more focused. I give them a general idea and then they take it, research, and formulate the question that they want to answer. These are very broad topics that can be handled in different ways. I like to give some room b/c I hated it when teachers were so rigid with topics.
I feel so much better. I felt like such an idiot this past week! Such a relief now!
abortion capital punishment euthanasia school uniforms drinking age
etc
assign a pro and con and then after the paper is due they have a 10 minute debate with their counterpart? (which also gives you some not on stage time)
WeddingsRock
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Re: Teachers, I need your help.....
I finsihed my list of 80 topics. They range from abortin, teen pregnancy, genetic engineering, gun control, suicide, date rape, drop put rate, etc...The topics are grouped like this 'Science and Technology, Rights and Civil Justice, Adolescent Interest, International Interest, Educationm and Misc.'
