It's War in B-Hall: Argumentation Unit

I introduced our new unit today in class and I'm excited to share the details with parents too!   It is my philosophy in education that complex concepts can be effectively taught in fun ways which will help students understand, synthesize and relate to the difficult concepts.  My job in 7th grade is to equip students with the tools and skills to successfully navigate their school & college careers and future jobs/lives.

Our "War in the B-Hall" is the unit on Argumentation/Research.  Students will be asked to select two kinds of M & Ms (peanut, peanut butter, regular and pretzel) and taste them. They will select their favorite and conduct research using facts to prove their M & M of choice is the best.  For students who cannot or wish not to actually taste M & Ms, they won't have too; they can partner with someone for our tasting activity and still do the assignment.  They also have the option to do Skittles vs. M&M.  Please remind your student to talk to me privately (before or after school) about their situation.

Students will then create a well-researched Argumentation Project which can be a Poster Display, a PowerPoint or Prezi or an Essay.  Each project with need to have the same written components and demonstrate mastery of research skills.  I am also asking, if possible, for each students to come to school with a Flash Drive to store their research/images on for their projects.  I want to ensure their material isn't lost or saved incorrectly on school computers and a Flash Drive is the best option.  Projects are due on January 24th, students will then present their projects to the class over the next week.

This Argumentation Research projects is aligned to the Common Core and meets the following Standards:

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1 Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1a Introduce claim(s), acknowledge alternate or opposing claims, and organize the reasons and evidence logically.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1b Support claim(s) with logical reasoning and relevant evidence, using accurate, credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1c Use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among claim(s), reasons, and evidence.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1d Establish and maintain a formal style.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.1e Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4 Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1–3 above.)
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.5 With some guidance and support from peers and adults, develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach, focusing on how well purpose and audience have been addressed.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and link to and cite sources as well as to interact and collaborate with others, including linking to and citing sources.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.7 Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8 Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.4 Present claims and findings, emphasizing salient points in a focused, coherent manner with pertinent descriptions, facts, details, and examples; use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.5 Include multimedia components and visual displays in presentations to clarify claims and findings and emphasize salient points.
• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

I am excited for this unit and to see what the students create.  I am so proud of this class of students for their work ethic, great attitudes and commitment to succeed.  I know a lot of this comes from the support at home, so thank you!  Please contact me with any questions/concerns.