Social+Issues+Project

toc = I. Social Issues Unit Overview: =

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, 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.

= II. Guiding Questions: =

A. Problem Research 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)

B. Solution Research Questions:
What are at least 2 solutions experts have found to prevent or minimize the problem(s)?

How are these going to solve the problem(s)? (requires an expert, detailed explanation)

= III. Phase I: Problems = 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.

Phase I Research Requirements:
 * At least 40 pieces of information are gathered regarding problems with your SI.
 * All information (with the exception of statistics) is in your own words (Max of 10 statistics)
 * Each source is clearly identified.
 * Each source citation is directly above the notes from that source (you should not have all your sources grouped together and all your notes grouped together.)
 * At least five different sources are utilized and have the MLA formatted citation shown (minimum of 5 sources, no more than 2 reliable Internet sources)

= IV. Phase II: Solutions =

The purpose of phase II is to find potential solutions for your social issue. Each of your potential solutions must be supported by research 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.

Phase II Research Requirements:
 * Identify two valid solutions for your issue
 * Total of AT LEAST 30 new pieces of information for solution research (split somewhat evenly between each solution)
 * Information is organized in the same format as the problem research
 * 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.