AES Library Standards
1.1: Following Inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world connection for using this process in own life.
1.2: Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding.
1.3: Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions
1.5: Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
1.6: Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information.
1.7: Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers
2.1: Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical-thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge.
2.3: Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information.
3.1: Conclude an inquiry-based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning.
American Civil War
List of Topics
- The American Civil War at Sea/Naval Operations
- Causes of the American Civil War
- Historical Background of the American Civil War
- The Aftermath of the American Civil War
- Weapons and Tactics of the American Civil War
- The American Civil War: Triumph of the Republican Party
- Native Americans and the American Civil War
- River Battles of the American Civil War
- The American Civil War: The Road to Richmond
- The American Civil War: Monuments and Their Role, Then and Now
- The American Civil War and The Constitution
- The American Civil War: Environmental Issues
- Religion and the American Civil War
- The American Civil War: Disease and Epidemics
- The American Civil War: Reconstruction
- Family Life and the American Civil War
- US Foreign Policy and the American Civil War
Background Information on the Civil War
Civil War crash course Part 1 – John Green(12 min.)
Civil War crash course Part 2 – John Green(11 min.)
Civil War Article(Facts on File) – Please login using Facts on File Username and Password
You will be writing an argumentative outline of an essay so you will need to prove your thesis and use a counter point in one paragraph.
DAY ONE: Decide on a Broad Topic eg. The Civil War
1) NoodleTools: Register & Create an account
- Register/Revalidate your NoodleTools account
- Create a project and share it with your teacher
3) Background Information
Resources
- Britannica
- Facts of File – American History Online or Modern World History OnLine
- www- make sure the site is valid
4) NoodleTools:
- Create one citation (copy and paste)
- Create a notecard
NoodleTools part 1: New Registration for NoodleTools
NoodleTools part 2: Create and Share Project
Evaluation of Resources
NoodleTools part 3: How to create a Citation
DAY TWO: Decide Area of Focus and Draft a Question
Example of an area of Focus: Factories, Impact on the Environment, Assembly, Decline in Family Life
Resources
- Questia
- EBSCO – Academic Search Complete
- Destiny – Books
5) NoodleTools:
- Create one Citation from Scratch
- Create one Note Card(One piece of information per Card)
NoodleTools part 4: Creating a note card from works cited card
DAY THREE: Develop Your Thesis Statement
Resources
- Newsbank – America’s Historical Newspapers
- JSTOR
6) NoodleTools Continued:
- Create an Outline
DAY FOUR: Research Day
Examples of Research Question and Thesis Statement
- The Research Question:
- Poses a cause or condition that follows with an effect or result
- Has an effect or result that can be measured in some way
- Can be placed into a Hypothesis or Thesis Statement
- Is focused – not too broad (entire books been written on this) or too narrow (you can’t find information)
Example: To what extent was Robespierre responsible for the rise of Napoleon?
Thesis statements
A thesis is the central argument that you will make about that topic. The thesis is the controlling idea of the essay; every sentence and paragraph in the essay must provide supporting statements and specific information to prove the thesis. The sooner you can state the thesis clearly and concisely, the more efficient and productive your thinking and note taking will be. Note how each thesis statement below contains a clearly focused argument. A thesis may be proved affirmatively or negatively.
Sample Social Studies Thesis Statements
Cause and Effect:
1. The failures of the Church caused war between Protestants and Catholics.
2. The work of the Humanists lead to the Renaissance
5. The desires of the Bourgeoisie led to failure of the French Revolution
Solutions:
1. The Congress of Vienna was the solution to European disorder.
2. The uniting of the Holy Roman Empire resolved civil war in Germany
Problems:
1. The problems of absolute political power of the Bourbon kings contributed to their decline.
2. Excessive taxation resulted in the decline of British rule in the Americas.
Comparisons:
1. King Louis XVI was a more effective leader than George III
2. Montesquieu was more influential than Paine in inspiring the American Revolution
Similarities:
1. The causes of the French Revolution and the Reformation are similar
Differences:
1. Hobbes and Locke differed greatly in their views on effective rule
Relationships:
1. It is evident that the work of Pieter Breughel’s father influenced his works.
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