Try It:  Find Out About Jane Yolen
Follow the steps to do your own research or study this sample.  Special instructions for your research are in the yellow boxes.  This is a practice unit.  Click on the dragon at the bottom of each page to return to the Web Wizard Research.  Use the blue buttons to move around in this unit.
Present your information.

Ask yourself:
What kind of presentation do I want to do?
Should I do a report?
What about something visual?
 

Choose the presentation format that best suits your learning style.
If you love to write, a written format is for you.  Do you love computers?  Try PowerPoint.  Remember that if you choose a computer project, you will have to spend time at home or in the lab after school.  Most teachers will not allow time in class to prepare projects.  If you are working on an art project, remember that it must coordinate with your outline or concept map. 
All projects should evidence your analysis and critical thinking.

How do I write a report?:
First you write an introduction which will explain the focus of your paper and your specific purpose. If you are having trouble getting started answer the "who", "what", "when","where", "why" first. You may need to give some history so that your reader will understand what you are talking about.  Click here to get more help writing an introduction.

Next you write the body of your paper. Put your note cards in order the way you want to present your argument/information. Write the body stating the points you want to make and include details and resources to support your  points. Here are some ways to develop your paragraph:

Finally write a conclusion  for your paper. Summarize your points and connect it with your introductory statement. Be sure and restate your purpose somewhere in your conclusion.

Revision is your next step. Read your paper and see if it is logical. Read it to a friend and ask them if it connects well, and if they can understand what you are trying to say.  Make sure that each paragraph has a topic sentence and that you use details to support your topic sentence. Look for smooth transitions between paragraphs. Check your paper for complete sentences, punctuation and spelling. Don't forget to use spell check on your computer!

What if I want to do something visual?
How about a PowerPoint presentation? What is that, you ask? It is a slide show you can create on your computer using the information you have collected. It is a great way to provide a visual for an oral report. Click here to find out how to do a PowerPoint presentation. ( Did you know PowerPoint presentations are used in the real world?)

What else could I do that would be visual?
You could do a video presentation. Ask your librarian if your school has a video camera that you can use during school hours to video tape your presentation. Maybe your family has a video camera that you could use to tape your presentation or tape things you want to show your audience. (Don't forget to check and make sure your teacher can get a VCR to show your video tape on.)

Don't forget :

Dioramas
Posters
Models (especially working models!)
Art work
 
 

Giving Credit
No matter what type of project you choose; you must give credit to your sources.  Use these three links to help you format your 
Works Consulted page.
Style Sources
 http://www.liunet.edu/cwis/cwp/library/workshop/citmla.htm

 www.NoodleTools.com

 www.mla.org/style/sources.htm

Hot Tip: Learning to write a paper gives you good practice with thinking, organizing, and communicating to get what you want. In other words this will help you in your job one day!
 
 
 
 

Use these buttons to find other pages in the Jane Yolen example.
 Step 1
Identifying Topic
Step 2
Choose Strategies
Step 3
Start Searching
Step 4
Organize Info
Step 5
Presenting Info

 
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