Before the project begins, you must break the class into groups of
2 students, assigning each a topic from above. One suggestion might be to pick names out of a hat so students are assigned a random weather topic. Our class does much group work and students are permitted to choose their own partner with the condition that they must work with someone they haven't worked with before, if possible. 
    Students must understand what is expected of them, so they are provided with a rubric (see "Weather Handout and Rubric" below) and, once groups are established, the rubric is reviewed with them.
    Each weather group will complete a research paper.  Each group will research different weather topics in an effort to scientifically explain why a particular "weather happens" and other interesting facts that are discovered.  The final product for each group will be a research paper presented as a web page.  Each research paper will concentrate on the topic to be researched. All groups will present their collected information and contribute to a web site produced by the class.
Click the world to see our
"Weather Topics"
 
Name _______________________________  Topic _______________________
Weather Handout and Rubric
What Is A Research Paper On Weather And How Do I Get An A?

     A research paper is a written report on a specific topic, supported with facts from books, and includes a bibliography.  The research paper you are writing is on a specific topic related to weather.  You must use at least three different sources or books (only one may be an encyclopedia) to find information about your topic.
     Each member of the group must turn in a research paper on his/her topic complete with a bibliography (There are some exceptions. I'll let each group know.)  For example, if you and a partner have hurricanes and typhoons, you must decide which one is researching hurricanes and which one is researching typhoons.
    Once you have broken  down the topic, the  next step  is to  complete an organizer so you’ll know what exactly  you need to  find out when you’re reading information about your topic.  Although you are working in a group, each person should focus their reading and note-taking on their specific topic. Some articles in the encyclopedia are broken down into parts  and  this may help some of you break your topic down.
     Once you have completed your organizer, and you know exactly what you are  researching, begin taking notes on what you read.  DO NOT COPY DIRECTLY FROM ANY SOURCE!  THAT'S PLAGERISM!  Even changing the order of words of an article from an encyclopedia is plagerism.  You are copying their organizational ideas.  Be original!  It is understood that some information cannot be reworded because it is scientific fact but the order in which you present it to the reader must be your own work.  Remember to only write information that relates to your topic.  It is understood that some information will overlap.  Make sure your research paper focuses on weather.  A research paper on snow that never tells me how snow is formed in clouds, the atmosphere or wherever it forms, is incomplete.

**Each group must include some visual in the web page related to their topic**

     A visual may be a picture, animation, diagram, experiment, demonstration, etc.   

How will I be graded?

__________  Written report has focused on the topic, is supported by facts and has a bibliography.  The overall web page should be pleasing to the eye, contain important information, and be interesting as well.   (70 points)

__________  Presentation is clear, organized and fluid.  (15 points)

__________  Visuals relate to the topic.  (15 points)

Back to Contents