Writing+From+Research

=Unit 8: Writing From Research=

Lesson 1: Writing From Research, Day 1
The world changed in many ways between 1300 and 1800. Think of all that happened and all the people who influenced what happened. What individual had the most influence on the way people thought, particularly in Europe? Could it have been Leonardo da Vinci? Or Johannes Gutenberg? How about martin Luther, or John Locke, or Isaac Newton? Prepare to choose an influential person who interests you as a topic for research and writing.

The modern age started more than six hundred years ago when Europeans began to question some of their assumptions about the world. They gained new confidence in human abilities and developed great curiosity about the natural world. Their confidence and curiosity contributed to an era of extraordinary creativity and far-reaching change. Who were the individuals responsible for the novel ideas and remarkable accomplishments? Who had the greatest impact on Europeans thought and the world? Once you decide, research and write about that person and the impact of his contributions.

Lesson Objectives

 * Assess the changes that took place in the way most Europeans thought between 1300 and 1800
 * Identify significant individuals who lived between 1300 and 1800 and explain how their ideas and work changed society
 * Write a research-based essay on the impact of one individual on European thought during the period from 1300 to 1800

Biography Online: People Who Made A Difference Animated Hero Classics (Watch only those related to people from 1300-1800)


 * 1) Today you will spend some time online reviewing important individuals whose work and ideas changed society between 1300 and 1800. (Review previous lessons for links, as well as use your book to look up important people mentioned in your text) As you review, think about the people who significantly changed European thought. Then on the Innovators of the Modern World sheet, list the individuals (who lived between 1300 and 1800) whose ideas and works you believe had the greatest influence on the modern world. As you review and complete the sheet, try to identify a significant impact each individual had on the world. Completing the sheet is the first step in your research.
 * 2) Choose one individual from the Innovators of the Modern World sheet to research and write an essay about.
 * 3) Order books from the library about this individual for your research use. **(If the books are at the main library, make note of title and author so we can check them out on Thursday - no need to order them)**

Lesson 1: Writing From Research, Day 2

 * 1) Begin to research the individual that you chose as the subject for your essay. You should use your textbook and online resources to help you gather information about the person. e sure to take notes as you research your subject. Then write a thesis statement and create an outline to help you organize your information.
 * 2) Begin your research by going to Grolier's online encyclopedia and reading article(s) on the individual you selected. Write down the important information on the Taking Notes sheet. Also reread any information you can find in the textbook about this person.
 * 3) To find other online sources, try a search engine, such as those on these pages: Top Ten Search Engines for Students; TekMom: Search Tools for Students; or Ivy's Search Engine Resources for Kids
 * 4) After you have completed your research, use the Expository Essay Plan to help you organize your information.
 * 5) Review your thesis statement and outline with a parent

Lesson 1: Writing From Research, Day 3

 * 1) Place your outline and Taking Notes sheet where you can see them easily as you compose your essay. If you need additional information to support your ideas, find it now. Remember, your outline and essay should match each other exactly.
 * 2) Use your thesis statement from your Taking Notes sheet to introduce your essay. The introduction should get the reader's attention and set the scene, so you may want to add some historical information or an explanation before or after the thesis statement. be sure your introduction tells the reader what you will be writing about. don't write more than four or five sentences.
 * 3) Follow your outline as your write the body of your essay. Use the topic sentences you wrote in your outline. Explain or support your topic sentences with information from the corresponding section of your outline. Write a concluding sentence that connects back to the thesis statement. Follow the same procedure to write each of the supporting paragraphs.
 * 4) Write a concluding paragraph that summarizes the main ideas of your essay and restates your thesis statement in some way. Write no more than four or five sentences.