Research Checklist – Use this list to make sure you have completed all the steps of the research paper and as a guide on what to do next.

1. Create a brainstorm for the topic – The American Dream Through the Decades – using popplet.com or other method. Share with me!

2. Use your brainstorm to generate 5 possible research questions. A good research question will narrow a broad topic and guide the direction of your research. The question should something that you can focus on through the decades and is related to the American Dream. See me if you need help or want to check your research question. Share with me!

3. Read the assigned article for your decade. If you forgot which article you were assigned see me. After you have read the assigned article complete the American Dreaming worksheet by copying and pasting it into Google Docs. first and then fill it out based on your assigned article. Share with me!

4. Begin to research the American dream during your assigned decade. Use key words from your research question to narrow your focus – ie. Money American Dream 1950’s. Use the link to Source Sheets to take notes. You will first cite the article by using Easybib or by following the format posted on the source sheet. Then paste the original article on the left side of the source sheet. Your notes and ideas go on the right side of the source sheet. Anything you quote from the left you must use quotation marks! All of your notes should address your research question. You need to complete 3 source sheets. Use 3 completely different websites. Remember to use only reliable sources (no Wikipedia or blog spots. Sites that end in gov or edu are generally very reliable). Share with me!

5. Work on an introduction for the rough draft of your paper. Remember your topic is the American dream through the decades but you should also include some information/references to your assigned decade as well. Use your notes to begin shaping the body paragraphs of your rough draft. Don’t forget to cite all information. Don’t forget to quote anything taken word for word or almost word for word.

6. Create an infographic for your decade. This will be a visual snapshot of the American Dream during your Decade. The infographic will instantly tell others what is most important about your decade. Here is an overview of what an infographic is and what is looks like - Infographic. You can create infographic using http://www.easel.ly/ (it is free but you have to create an account) You can try using Google Draw.

7. Write the Rough draft of your paper – 2 pages on your assigned decade (use your American Dream worksheet, use your notes), 1-2 pages on the dream through the decades (1920’s-2010 – choose 3 in addition to your own assigned decade) - use your notes to help you, 1-2 pages on the dream in Merced (use your brainstorm on your American Dream, interview local people on their American dream, go to Merced Sun Star on line and google American Dream). Remember to cite all information! If you take information/ideas word for word or almost you must cite and you must quote the material – if you put it in your own words you still must cite! - See my teacher welcome page on how to cite

8. Check the Research Rubric to see how you would score on your paper. Ask me to check your paper at any time