Whirligig Mini-Research Project

Subject: Social Issues Research

Objective: Students will:

• Use selected web sites and commercial databases to complete research on a social issue related to the novel, Whirligig

• Create an annotated bibliography

Standards:

English-Language Arts ? Grades 9 & 10: Writing Strategies ? Research and Technology

1.3 ? Use clear research questions and suitable research methods (e.g., library, electronic media, personal interview) to elicit and present evidence from primary and secondary sources.

1.7 ? Use appropriate conventions for documentation in the text, notes, and bibliographies by adhering to those in style manuals (e.g., Modern Language Association Handbook, The Chicago Manual of Style).

English-Language Arts ? Grades 11 & 12: Writing Strategies ? Research and Technology

1.7 ? Use systematic strategies to organize and record information (e.g., anecdotal scripting, annotated bibliographies).

1.8 ? Integrate databases, graphics, and spreadsheets into word-processed documents.

Description:

Select a serious topic that is related to a teen problem issue form the novel Whirligig .

Compile a list of at least four organizations with at least two paragraphs per organization of information from those organizations: who they are, what they do, how or why they got started, how to contact them, where to get more information. You must use three of the web sites listed and get information from at least one commercial database .

Complete a works cited page that lists the information you used in compiling your information. Again, this is the listing of the three web sites from the list and the database information. Use correct MLA format: see your style guide or school library website for information.

Possible topics:

• Juvenile Justice System ? options for first time offenders, consequences for repeat offenders

• Groups against Drunk Driving, especially those with a teen orientation

• Prevention or Helplines for Teen Depression and Suicide