CurriculumGrade 8English Language Arts

Short Research Projects

Aligned to W.8.7 — Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.

What this lesson teaches

A focused research project answers one question by drawing on several sources. As you learn, let new questions arise that sharpen or extend your inquiry.

Worked example

You start with 'Why do bees vanish?' and, after reading, a sharper question appears: 'Do city bees fare better than farm bees?' which guides your next search.

Practice questions

  1. Write one clear research question you could answer.
  2. List two kinds of sources you would consult.
  3. Generate a follow-up question your research raises.

Watch the lesson

Every lesson comes with a video taught in English and Spanish — the same video the QR code in the printed workbook opens.

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En español

Proyectos Breves de Investigación

Un proyecto de investigación enfocado responde a una pregunta apoyándose en varias fuentes. Mientras aprendes, deja que surjan nuevas preguntas que afinen o amplíen tu indagación.

Ejemplo: Empiezas con '¿Por qué desaparecen las abejas?' y, tras leer, aparece una pregunta más precisa: '¿Les va mejor a las abejas de ciudad que a las del campo?' que guía tu siguiente búsqueda.

More Writing lessons

Argument, Informative & Research WritingW.8.1Writing to ExplainW.8.2Crafting a NarrativeW.8.3Writing for Task & AudienceW.8.4Revising & Strengthening WritingW.8.5Writing with TechnologyW.8.6

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