Online Research Module
Research Process	Directions to Students
Scenario	Research and technology skills will help you to achieve academic success. An understanding of the various resources available to you will have an impact on your learning and the quality of your work.
Task and Product	Your group is to research one of the following topics to gain a better understanding of the resources found on the Cougar’s Digital Media Center. 1. Why does the Harry Potter character have such a broad appeal? 2. How do you think Tolkien’s early life and personality affected his writing? 3. Which of the following two authors Tolkien or Rowling would you rather have as a relative or close friend? 4. Which skills are necessary to achieve academic success? 5. How has the September 11^th tragedy changed America? 6. How does the Nobel Peace Prize serve our world? 7. How do a person’s values affect their life? 8. Which would you choose Alternative or Traditional Medicine, if faced with a serious illness? 9. Why do so many teens choose unhealthy life styles? 10. Why does America love Reality TV? 11. How important is Alaska’s oil to the US economy? 12. How safe is our drinking water? 13. Which city would be the best choice of places to live? 14. How have Young Adults made a difference in our country? 15. Which career choice would you find personally fulfilling? 16. How do sports affect the lives of high school students? Present your information orally to the class. Include visuals that help convey your message.
Assessments	Your grade will be based on the following: Oral presentation that informs Visuals that develop the ideas in the oral presentation Use of at least 4 different library resources as shown in your Bibliography.
Question	Essential Question: (Choose one from the list above.) What other questions can guide your research?
Gather and Sort	Gather information from a variety of sources found in the CDMC. Sort your findings using a graphic organizer. In your group, prepare the graphic organizer before you begin your research. As you use your various sources, be sure to take effective, detailed notes. Paraphrase the main ideas to avoid plagiarism. Keep track of your sources, following the MLA Bibliographic Format.
Organize	Analyze your research notes in order to formulate an explanation to your question. Synthesize your findings by preparing an oral presentation with visuals using power point and saving it on the network . What new insights have emerged about your topics? Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience? Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task. Have you gathered sufficient details about your topic? Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense for your audience?
Conclusion	Presentation As a group, share your research findings with the class in an oral presentation with visuals. While listening to others, jot down additional facts you learn. Reflection Write an essay incorporating three strategies or resources you found especially useful.