Write a Research Paper Summer Camp
What's included
8 live meetings
6 in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Homework will be assigned following each class meeting and will be scaffold assignments leading to the production of a four-page research paper (title page, two pages of writing, and a works cited page).Assessment
Learners will receive feedback throughout the course on the weekly scaffold assignments as well as a final grade on their final research paper and research presentation.Grading
Learners who complete the course with a final grade of C or better on the research paper and presentation will receive a certificate of completion.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Write a Research Paper Summer Camp is designed to introduce or review the research paper writing process for middle school and high school-aged learners. Each learner will receive a virtual workbook to guide them through the process and in which they will complete assignments throughout the summer. The course will focus on producing a four-page research paper (title page, two pages of writing, and a works cited page) using MLA style and proper formatting. The course will begin by introducing students to what a research paper is and explaining why knowing how to write a research paper is important. Students will be guided through the process of choosing a topic that interests them to focus on in their research and writing. Learners will learn to write a research question and thesis statement, create an outline, choose reputable sources, cite their sources using parenthetical citations, avoid plagiarism, use AI responsibly and ethically in their research process, conduct research, take notes, write their paper, proofread and edit their paper, create a works cited page, and make a final slideshow presentation about their research. Instruction will be in lecture and discussion with slides. During most meetings, time permitting, the last half of the class will be spent in breakout rooms where learners will work on their assignments, receive teacher feedback, and give and receive peer reviews.
Learning Goals
The primary learning goal is that learners understand the process of writing a research paper and become more confident in their abilities to research and write longer fact-based essays using MLA style. Additionally, learners will understand how to evaluate sources, avoid plagiarism, and use AI in responsible and ethical ways in their process.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
What is a research paper? Why do you need to know how to write a research paper? We will answer these questions during our first meeting. Learners will also be introduced to MLA Style.
Learners will begin the process of brainstorming their topics. We will look at broad areas and how to narrow an area down into a topic that can be covered in a short research paper.
Homework: Choose a narrowed topic and write a 200-word essay about your topic.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Sources and Research Questions
Instruction will focus on writing a research question and how to choose reputable sources for a research paper.
Homework: Write your research question and choose three reputable sources for your paper.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Note-Taking, Citations, Plagiarism, and AI
Instruction will focus on MLA Style and how to gather the information learners will need to create parenthetical citations and a works cited page from their sources. We will also focus on taking notes from sources and cover plagiarism and AI-generated content in research papers.
Homework: Learners will begin their research and note-taking.
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Thesis Statements and Outlines
Instruction will focus on how to write a thesis statement and create an outline.
Homework: Learners will continue their research and note-taking, write a thesis statement, and outline.
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in History from Gettysburg College
Bachelor's Degree in English from Campbellsville University
I have a master of arts degree in American history, and bachelor of arts degrees in political science, English, and communications with a journalism emphasis. I am lead teacher at The Foster Woods Folk School, which focuses on humanities education within an ecosocial justice framework aimed at celebrating and improving our connections as a global community of humans and non-humans living on Planet Earth. In this role, I work with learners of all ages with a primary focus of working with learners in grades three through 12. I was the director of a social justice center for three years during which time I routinely taught about and facilitated conversations about historical and current political events for both teen and adults participants. Before that, I was a newspaper editor and reporter for 15 years. I have been teaching history, social studies, and English Language Arts classes for several years.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$180
for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
3-6 learners per class