Introduction
In this WebQuest, we will be exploring various concepts that are necessary to know in writing a research paper. This webquest will serve as an introductory lesson for our unit on research papers. At the end of the unit, you will be able to choose a topic of your own to research and ultimately write a paper on! This WebQuest will teach you how to create an MLA works cited page, differentiate between valid and invalid sources, and quickly find the information you need. My hope is that you will enjoy researching and learning about a subject of your choice after completing this WebQuest!
Task
In this webquest, you will complete various activities in preparation for writing your own research paper! You will visit various websites and read articles in regards to what a research paper is. You will also visit various websites in order to differentiate between valid and invalid sources for your paper. Towards the end of the webquest, you will watch a video on how to format your MLA paper and then visit the link below it in order to learn how to properly cite your sources in MLA format. After completing the webquest, you will write a research paper about an issue in our community. The research paper that you write will be in the format of a problem-solution paper. After writing the paper, you will collaborate with other class members and create a PowerPoint presentation in which you will present your solution to the class and then act on it.
Process
Below you will see the step-by-step process for this WebQuest. Please make sure that you follow the steps in order as they are placed that way for a reason.
1. Source Description: The link listed below is from the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab). The website is created and edited by professionals and contains accurate information. The source will give help you to gain a better understanding of what a research paper is and is not.
Instructions: Please click on the link below. On the left hand side menu, click "Research and Citations, then click "Conducting Research," and finally, "Research Overview. Please read the whole page on Research Overview - Where to Begin. After reading through it, you will paraphrase the information in two short paragraphs. Try to answer the questions, What is research? What isn't research? Type your answers into a Google doc or Word. You will share / email your responses when the WebQuest is complete.
LINK: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/conducting_research/research_overview/index.html
2. Source Description: The website you will be using for this step of the project is from BBC(British Broadcasting Corporation) and discusses the life and history of William Shakespeare. This website is an example of a valid source and would be great for you to use on your resource paper if it was on the topic of Shakespeare.
Instructions: Read through the entire article--it is reasonably short and should not take you much time. After reading the article, complete the following:
Pretend that you are writing research paper about Shakespeare's personal life (nothing about his acting or writing careers). Find three pieces of information from the article. Paraphrase the information and include a correctly formatted IN-TEXT citation.
LINK: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/william-shakespeare-the-life-and-legacy-of-englands-bard/zfw6d6f
3. Source Description: Wikipedia is a website that has information on virtually everything; however this information is often invalid. This particular Wikipedia page discusses Shakespeare and the many aspects of his life. This is an example of an invalid source because anyone with Internet access can change the information on the page. I have provided you a link that will direct you to the part of the page discussing edits.
Instructions: Read through the information at the top of the page regarding edits and the Wikipedia page, then answer the following question: In 3-5 sentences, explain why Wikipedia is not a valid source for your research paper.
LINK: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=William_Shakespeare&action=edit
4. Source Description: Yahoo! Answers is an online forum where anyone on the Internet can ask a question and anyone on the Internet can answer it as well. This specific link asks a question about the biography of Shakespeare. This link is another example of an invalid source.
Instructions: Read through the question and responses given (do not click on any of the links that are provided in the responses). After reading these, in 3-5 sentences, please explain why Yahoo! Answers is not a valid source for your research paper.
LINK: http://ph.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100306060306AAlcrbx
5. Source Description: The video found directly below the instructions for this step will teach you how to properly format your MLA works cited page. Proper formatting is extremely important and your works cited page will not be correct without it. The link provided is another resource that the Purdue OWL (online writing lab) offers. This link will teach you how to cite your sources in proper MLA format. Both the video and the link will teach you how to create a proper MLA works cited page for your research paper. Works cited pages are put at the end of your research paper in order to credit the sources where you got your information from.
Instructions: First, you need to watch the video directly below this; please watch the entire video. After watching the video, you will create a Works Cited page (you can use same Good Doc / Word - no need to create a second document). Create a works cited citation for the book, I am Malala. Then, go to Google Scholar (link below). Find one scholarly article on any of your potential research topics. Include the works cited citation for that scholarly article. Therefore, you will have a total of two works cited citations.
VIDEO LINK:
LINK: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/
Evaluation
Your WebQuest will be graded on completion and effort.