History Herald: Writing Historical Research Papers for Middle and High Schoolers

In this multiday class, students will learn how to properly research and write a paper on a topic of their choice. 

Day One: We will begin the writing process by working through a brainstorming session. This will focus the students to locate areas of interest and work to identify topics that will be chosen for a final project. Different brainstorming techniques will be utilized to help students generate ideas and to arm them with ways to develop future projects. After a topic is chosen, we will work to identify what is known about each topic, what needs to be discovered, and to begin plans for conducting research. 

Day Two- We will begin with exploring the various types of sources, what sources are needed, and how to analyze each one. Students will consider the use of digital and internet sources, learning how to effectively decide which sources to include in their writing. We will bring 2-3 sources to class to begin analyzing these options. Students will learn how to use them to gather information and how to document the information pertaining to each source. 

Day Three- We will consider 2-3 more sources for more information regarding our topic. Students will utilize them to gather information while considering their reliability.

Day Four: We will consider 2-3 more sources for more information regarding our topic. Students will utilize them to gather information while considering their reliability.

Day Five: With the research conducted, this class will focus on creating an outline for the writing. We will work on creating a thesis statement and focal points that will guide the direction of the paper. 

Day Six: We will discuss how to incorporate source information while synthesizing and summarizing.  We will review various citation styles for the different disciplines (MLA, APA, Chicago) so the students can cite their references properly.  By the end of class, students will have a working outline for their paper.

Day Seven: Students will take the outline to create a first rough draft for the next class. The class will review how to write a proper introduction and conclusion.  Students will send the first draft to the teacher for review.

Day Eight: In this session, we will focus on revision and working to improve the first draft. Each section will be reviewed for organization, clarity, and proper evidence to support each claim. Students will be shown how to look for areas of weakness and how to rectify them throughout. Students will finish revising their first draft.

Day Nine: If possible, peer reviews, depending on class size, will be utilized. Peer reviews are great way to have your writing read by someone their age. Are they being clear in their writing? Are they expressing themselves completely? If peer reviews cannot happen, we will finish revisions and send them to the teacher for one final review.

Day Ten: Students will have a completed final draft for class. We will review each, identifying if the main goal of the thesis was accomplished, looking at each main point, and reviewing if the paper is formatted properly within the proper citation style format. Students will be able to share their papers with peers. Private feedback will be given to each student regarding their papers after class. Final grades are available to students/parents would like them.

By the end of this class, each student will be able to properly follow the research process to create a paper of quality on a subject of their choice. Each class will be supported through presentation, activities, peer and group collaboration, and teacher examples. 
No prior research experience is needed, however, a basic of understanding of paragraph structure is helpful for students. 
All handouts will be provided each week by the teacher. Outside sources will be used by the student depending on their topic choices. 

**Note** This class requires outside work every week from the student. Without the completion of this outside work, this class will NOT work for your kiddo. It is a long process of learning how to write which includes researching, drafting, and revising. 

We will utilize google docs so we can keep track of work and digitally comment  from teacher to student.