The I-Search Paper

Aim: How do we identify a question for I-Search?    

Quick Write: Review DOK 4 Question Stems. (If you do not have a sheet you can find it under "Resources" in the right hand margin of this blog.) Think of a brain science topic you would like to explore and write it down, but DO NOT publish it. Only five minutes allotted for this activity!!!!!

It’s time to give your brain its first big workout of the course. Your challenge is to explore a brain science issue. The I-Search paper will share with readers your intellectual exploration of the subject or topic and hopefully, uncover some universal truths or lessons in the process.

This is a “Writing to Learn” experience in which one discovered fact leads to a question which leads to another discovered fact which leads to another question which leads to another discovered fact and so on. Like a research paper, the project will provide a rich source of interesting information for you and your readers; but unlike a research paper, you can also use and evaluate primary sources based on interviews, videos, memoirs, photographs, letters, etc.

Step 1: The first task of the I-Search paper is to select a brain science topic that genuinely interests you. You could choose to answer one of the essential questions of this unit or construct an essential question of your own. In this unit, you have learned a little about a number of brain science topics: the teen brain, brain plasticity, and the importance of training your brain. This unit has been guided by the following essential questions:

• How much of our brain function are we born with and how much do we learn?
• How can/do we re-wire our brains at times of crisis and challenge?
• How can we exercise our brains?
• How do our brains rule our minds and bodies?

You may choose another relevant brain science issue as well. Just remember that the best questions are open-ended, meaning they can’t be answered in one word or with a simple yes or no. The best questions always begin with why or how?

There’s more, but we’ll walk you through the process in the next few days. And P.S. When you have completed your research, you will collaborate with others in the class to produce a Public Service Announcement (PSA) about the importance of working out your brain. For now, check out the nuts and bolts requirements of the challenge.

To view the entire assignment, click here. And this is how you will be graded: Click here to see the rubric.

Outlines, which are worth 50 project points, are due Friday, October 24!!!!!

Step 2 (Final Reflection): Review the topic you chose for today's Quick Write. Change or re-phrase it if you want. Then, put your topic in the form of an open-ended question. Explain 1) the importance of this topic; 2) why you think it would be of interest to others; and 3)how this topic applies to your own life.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

***Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.***

Standards: 
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.