Romeo and Juliet

Research Paper Trimester 2

Name______________________
Date______________________

Goals from 5th grade writing standards: (W.5)

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly.
a. Introduce topic clearly, provide a general observation and focus paragraph, and then group
related information logically; including formatting, illustrations, and multimedia when useful to
aiding comprehension in the supporting detail paragraphs.
b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, and quotations.
c. Link ideas within and across categories of information using words, phrases, and clauses
(e.g., in contrast, especially).
d. Use precise language and domain specific vocabulary to inform or explain the topic
e. Provide a concluding statement within the closing paragraph.
f. With guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the internet, to produce
and publish writing.
g. Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and
enhance understanding of presentations.
h. Integrate information from several texts on the same topic in order to write and speak about
the subject knowledgeably.
Technology Goal 5.RP.1.1
A. Implement a research process
Assignment:
Students will research a topic related to the time frame, and/ or play Romeo and Juliet on the
Border from the list below. Each student will then determine their general statement or topic
sentence about their subject and begin researching informative texts. After collecting 3-6
supporting facts and quotes from 2 or more texts, and recording sources for bibliographies,
students will move on to 2-3 reliable, safe internet sites to gather 3-6 additional supporting
details to add to their paper.(9 details in total) Sources are again recorded. When all research is
complete, students will begin writing their research paper. The paper should be 5 paragraphs
long; an introductory paragraph with a topic sentence, 3 paragraphs with supporting details
about the topic sentence, and a conclusion paragraph. When the paper is complete and a final
draft has been written, students will take turns typing their papers into a Powerpoint
presentation. After their entire document is in place on slides, students will then return to the
internet sites used and upload pictures, audio, graphs and illustrations to compliment their
presentation. The presentation should be 5 slides long. Students will present their final product
March 5th or 6th.

Topics
Homesteading
Westward Expansion
Life in the West

The Alamo
Mexico/*
The Prairie *
The Transcontinental Railroad/*
Frontier Schools
The Oregon Trail
Santa Fe Trail
The Gold Rush/*
Fiestas*
Mexican Culture *
The Mormon Trail *
Women of the American west*
Black Women of the American West*
Annie Oakley
Calamity Jane
Trouser Roles
Dust Storms
Pony Express
Cattle Runs
Fencing
Nat Love
Schedule:
February 4th topic selected and topic sentence completed
February 13th research cards finished and turned in
February 20th information has been drafted edited and written in a final draft
February 27th Information added to slides and graphs, illustrations, photographs, complete
bibliography, final touches are added
March 5th Presentations have been practiced with a partner-presentations and grading
Grading: rubric will be sent home next Thursday
Format: 5 paragraphs on 5 slides, topic sentence, concluding sentence, supporting details,
logical order (first draft, final draft, powerpoint)
Content:required number of facts, quotes, and sources (note cards)
Time:Schedule is met
Grammar: spelling, indention, punctuation, etc.
Romeo and Juliet Research Paper agreement
I have read this assignment and understand students will be expected to research and write
some of this assignment at home. Parent Signature______________________________________