birthdayproject

Final Paper - English Due: Final Exam Period

Project: What Happened on My Birthday?

Assignment: You will write a five paragraph paper about the topic of your birthday. It will be in third person and the same rules apply as to the paragraph format. (that means, don't say "I", don't start with "also" etc. See the board)

Part I: Research (possible points: cards - 75; bibliography page - 100)

You will find at least 5 sources and create note cards and a bibliography. Not all your sources can be from the internet. You can also use: interviews, almanacs, other books concerning dates and holidays. (Look in sites like "this day in history" and look at the bottom of the search engine page for other link ideas) A perfect idea is to ask your parents about the day you were born! What was the weather, how was your family feeling, what was it like for your mom, etc.

1. All notes are in your own words on note cards. Each card needs the source information written on the back. You need a total of 15 note cards. Divide up the cards so that you have five for each paragraph. You can also divide up pieces of paper, one for each paragraph and organize the notes that way. Keep track of your bibliograpy information. It will be done as one page in www.easybib.com. It will not be due until the final paper.

NOTES ARE DUE TO CHECK: June 2nd

2. Bibliography page - use www.easybib.com or www.noodletools.com. Don't forget to use an interview as one of your sources.
Due with the final paper on your final exam day.

Part II: Paper (possible points: 200 total - 40 for each paragraph)

Introduction Paragraph

1. restate the question to get the reader's attention
December isn’t just about Christmas and snow. December 16th is important for many reasons.

2. state the three areas you are going to talk about (people, events, sports, holidays, inventions/technology, etc)

Many famous people, events, and intersting facts occurred on this day that people will find fascinating, besides another Clark in the household!.

Detail Paragraphs

1. Three separate paragraphs, each with three details about the paragraph topic with examples.

Paragraph One:
You might think that sharing your birthday is a drag, but not when there are a lot of famous people that can add to the celebration! (tell about three famous people and something interesting about each one, each in its own sentence)

Paragraph Two:
There might not have been any wars in 1961, but that December still had lots of events that are notable. (tell about three events and something interesting about each one, each in its own sentence)

Paragraph Three:
onBirthdays are full of fun facts about the birthday person as well as trivia that goes along with the month. (tell about some trivia and facats and something interesting about each one, each in its own sentence)

Conclusion Paragraph

1. sum up what you talked about

2. give your opinion, suggestions, observation in your final sentence.

<>3. don't say "in conclusion,"

As you can see, birthdays are special because of a combination of things that occur on those dates. On December 16, 1961, my mom wanted to finish watching Gunsmoke on TV which is why my grandmother delivered me in the car; the doctor didn’t make it on time. I don’t remember it but my dad said it was snowing cats and dogs. I am glad that for once in my life I didn't give my mom any trouble and came out happy and a pretty pink color! This day is very important to me and many other people and hopefully I'll have many more years to celebrate!

PLEASE...check spelling, capitals, and all punctuation. Double space or skip lines; 12 pt. Ariel

Part III: Visual Aid (possible points: 100)

Come up with something that illustrates the information you came up with. Can be a poster, Powerpoint page, model, collage, brochure, diorama, etc. Be creative; use your imagination. Be colorful.

Total Possible Points: 500 - this counts as part of your final grade. Do well, it can raise you a grade; do poorly, it can lower you a grade.

Links:
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history.do

http://www.history.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/dayinhistory

http://www.on-this-day.com/

http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/index.html

http://www.scopesys.com/anyday/

http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/onthisday.aspx

http://www.musicorb.com/

http://www.on-this-day.com/onthisday/thedays/dayselect-music.htm

Birthday Facts: