Social+Issues+Project

Social Issues Unit Overview toc Goal: The goal of this unit is for you to create awareness about a particular social issue. Identify why this issue is a problem and what can be done to solve the problem (i.e. why it is called a problem-solution project).

Steps:
 * 1) Select a social issue.
 * 2) Identify the problems (background, statistics, personal stories [max. 1], effects on humans/animals, etc.) associated with your issue.
 * 3) Complete your project for phase I.
 * 4) Identify two possible solutions for your social issue.
 * 5) Research the solutions for your social issue.
 * 6) Complete your project for phase II.
 * 7) Phase III: Work with students within the 21st Century Literacy classes who researched similar topics (mental health, environmental issues, etc.) to complete a project demonstrating your knowledge of your issues.

Guiding Questions

What is the problem? (short, concise answer)

What are the background and/or historical events of this problem?

Why is this important to society?

How does your topic create problem(s) for society? (requires an expert, detailed explanation)

What are at least 2 solutions experts have found to prevent or minimize the problem(s)?

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">How are these going to solve the problem(s)? (requires an expert, detailed

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">explanation)

<span style="color: #13dda1; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Phase I: Problems

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The purpose of phase I is to find out as much as you can about the problems and background associated with your issue. You will then select from a list of project options to share your knowledge with others.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Phase I Research Requirements:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">At least 40 pieces of information are gathered regarding problems with your SI.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">All information (with the exception of statistics) is in your own words (Max of 5 statistics)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Each source is clearly identified.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Color code notes by subtopic.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">At least five different sources are utilized and have the MLA formatted citation shown (minimum of 5 sources, no more than 2 Internet sources)

<span style="color: #ff891a; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Phase II: Solutions

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The purpose of phase II is to find potential solutions for your social issue. Each of your potential solutions must be researchable and feasible. For example, one solution for World Hunger could not be to give food to everyone. If it were that easy, we would have done it already.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Phase II Research Requirements:
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Identify two valid solutions for your issue
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Total of AT LEAST 30 new pieces of information for solution research (split somewhat evenly between each solution)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Information is color-coded in the same manner as problem research
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Utilize at least four sources to find solution information—you must utilize at least two new sources for information—can be from Gale or reliable web sources.

<span style="color: #67ca0c; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Note-taking Requirements

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">1. Notes from 3 Gale sources <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">2. You may have notes from up to 2 Internet sources <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">3. 40 different notes (problem research); 30 different notes (solution research) <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">4. All stats count as 1 note <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">5. All notes must be in YOUR words <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">6. Notes will appear under the MLA source citation <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">7. Phase I notes are on the "Problem Notes" page on your wiki <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">8. Phase II notes are on the "Solution Notes" page on your wiki <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">9. At least 5 notes from each source <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">10. 1 personal story (max, not required)