Learning Objectives
Students will devise, write, edit and present research on a topic relating to canine exercise.
*Note: This is a multi-day lesson.
Grade Levels
9-12
Common Core English Language Arts Standards
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.4
Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.5
Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on addressing what is most significant for a specific purpose and audience.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.7
Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.8
Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.9
Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.
Materials Needed
Computer with Internet Access
Microsoft Office Word and Power Point
Research Paper Planning Template and Outline: HERE
Lesson
Prior to the Lesson
- Students should be taught how to properly research for appropriate sources, cite sources in their writing, and then write their sources in MLA format on a reference page.
Introduction
- Explain to students that exercise is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. The amount of exercise that a dog needs varies depending on the breed, age, and health of the dog, but all dogs will benefit.
- The purpose of this lesson will be for each student to devise, write, edit, and then present research on a topic relating to canine exercise.
Instruction
- Brainstorm topics relating to canine exercise as a class:
Breed-specific dog sports (agility, coursing, obedience, rally, tracking, diving, flyball, etc.)
Physical and Mental (Dog’s body and mind)
Walking/Exercise with owner
Dog Parks
Indoor/Outdoor Exercise
- Hand out copies of the Research Paper Planning Template and Outline to students. Instruct students to choose a topic that they would like to research and devise a question about that topic. For example:
Why is it important to challenge your dog’s mind with mental exercise?
Why are dog parks beneficial for you and your dog?
- After students have devised a research question, have them write the question on their Research Paper Planning Template.
- Provide students with a class period to research resources on the internet for their topic, including locating an article from the AKC website. Students may also need to visit the school library to check out books or other materials. Assist students in their research efforts, as well as writing their resources in MLA format on their template.
- Review the Research Paper Pre-Writing Outline with students and what is expected of them. Answer any questions that they may have and provide examples if necessary.
- Circulate and assist students in completing their Research Paper Pre-Writing Outline in preparation for writing the rough draft. Students should gather their resources and use them when completing this portion. They must cite their sources and incorporate them in the body paragraphs by rewording and rephrasing.
Independent Research Writing Project and Presentation
- Once students have completed their outlines, they can move on to writing the rough draft of their research paper using their outlines to guide them. Ensure students include a References page in MLA format.
- Once students have finished writing their rough drafts, students will switch papers with a peer for peer editing. Peers will look for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors. Peers will ensure the paper adheres to the outline and addresses the chosen research question.
- Collect the rough drafts and review them for accuracy. Return them to students.
- Students will revise their papers and correct any edits. They can choose to neatly and legibly write their final drafts or type them on a computer.
- Students will then use their final drafts to create a Power Point Presentation on their research topics to present to the class.
Review and Closing
- Students will share their research with the class by presenting their Power Point Presentations. Allow time for open classroom discussion and dialogue to review the benefits of canine exercise and the variety of topics presented.