upper grammar school - woodstream christian academy · finally, through a presentation, students...
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Thesis Journal School of Grammar
First Grade
Name:
Topic:
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Table of Contents
Acknowledgements……………………………………………………………………….3
Thesis Overview...………………………………………………………………………...4
Timeline for Thesis………………...………………………………………………...........5
Topics……………………………………………………………………………………...6
Bible Verse……………………………………………………….………………………..7
Sources…………………………...…………………………...…………………..…….…8
Reference Guide……………………………………………………………..…………….9
Thesis Statement…………………………….…………………………………………...11
Introduction….…………………………………………………………………………...13
Body…………………………...…..……………………………………...……………...16
Conclusion…………...………………...………………………………………………...19
Costume Approval………………...…………………………...………………………...22
Index Cards…………….………………………………………………………………...23
Oral Presentation…………………………………………………………………….…...26
Display Board…………...……...………………………………...……………………...29
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In developing this handbook, we would like to acknowledge the following:
Annapolis Area Christian School
Theodore Wilson, Sr.
Woodstream Christian Academy Administration
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Thesis Overview
First graders will choose an animal and research the animal’s environment/ habitat
they live in, animals features (description of what the animal looks like), what the animal
eats, and one fun fact. The research portion provides active exploration to help students
come to a deeper understanding of the animal. Finally, through a presentation, students
will have the opportunity to communicate their ideas as they develop presentation skills
and self-confidence.
Within this packet, you will find pertinent information outlining the thesis
process. In order for your student to complete the thesis properly, it is important for them
to understand the purpose of research, the Writing Process, and Presentation skills. The
majority of the thesis will be done in class; however, some portions will need to be
completed at home. Each section of the thesis will be graded as designated by the
student’s homeroom tutor.
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Timeline for Thesis
WEEK of Sept. 30th
Topic Selection
Wed., Oct. 9th
Bible Verse
Wed., Oct. 30th
References
Wed., Nov. 20th
Thesis Statement
Wed., Dec. 11th
Introduction
Wed., Jan. 15th
Body
Wed., Feb. 5th Conclusion
Wed., Mar. 4th Costume Approval
Wed., Apr. 8th
Index Cards
Wed. Apr. 29th
Display Board
May 4th –May 8th
Thesis Presentation Practice
WEEK of May 11th
1st Grade Thesis Presentations
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Topics
American Alligator Electric Eel
Alligator Snapping Turtle Freshwater Stingray
American Bison Giant Panda
Australian Snake-Necked Turtle Gray Wolf
Bald Eagle Grevy's Zebra
Beaver Land Hermit Crab
Black howler monkey Lemur Tree Frog
Black-and-white Ruffed Lemur North American Porcupine
Black-footed Ferret Orangutan
Black-Tailed Prairie Dog Red-Crested Cardinal
Bobcat Sloth Bear
Cheetah
Striped Skunk
Cuban Crocodile
Tiger
Please note: Topic selections must be approved by your Tutor.
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Bible Verse
Choose a Bible verse that you believe is related to your thesis topic.
This assignment is due by
The Bible Verse that relates to this topic is:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________
Scripture Reference:
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Evaluating Sources
Evaluating sources is a critical feature of the research paper process. You are looking for
information from credible sources and credible authors. But how do you determine which
sources from periodicals, newspapers, websites, and books to use?
How do you know whether the information is essential to your research project?
Below are some questions that should aid you in the process of evaluating sources.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN EVALUATING SOURCES
• Does the information come from a trustworthy and reliable source? Who is the
author of the source?
• What are the author’s credentials?
• What is the author’s purpose for writing?
• Who is the author’s intended audience?
• What is the author’s perspective or bias on the subject matter for which he/she is
writing?
• What is the author’s worldview based upon the information presented?
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References
When you are citing references, you are giving credit to all of the sources that you used to
conduct your research. The list must be handwritten in alphabetical order by the author’s
name.
This assignment is due by
1. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
*Students are required to have a minimum of two references*
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Reference Guidelines Book
1. Name of author.
2. Title of the book.
Example: Smith, John. The Book about Animals.
Online Article
1. Name of the article.
2. Name of Website.
3. Online.
Example: Bears. Children and Science. Online.
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Thesis Statement
The statement should be one to two complete sentences stating the overall purpose of the
research.
This assignment is due by
Example-Thesis Question/Topic: The Snapping Turtle
Example- Thesis Statement: The snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle that can be
found in North America.
My Thesis Statement:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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Thesis Statement
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts.)
Satisfactory
(2 pts.)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Heading
Student properly headed their paper with their name,
date, and class number.
Understanding Student demonstrates a clear understanding of how to
write a thesis statement.
Preparedness Student submitted thesis statement on time.
Format
Student followed the thesis statement guidelines. One to
two complete sentences are written stating the overall
purpose of the research.
Grammar All sentences are well structured. Free from errors in
grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Legibility Student’s work is easy to read.
Total
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Introduction
The introduction is a brief discussion of the research. The introduction should answer the
question “What is my research about?” Within the introduction you should include the
following:
Thesis statement
Bible verse
A capturing sentence to get the attention of the audience.
Dedication
This assignment is due by
Example-Thesis Question/Topic: The Snapping Turtle
Example- Introduction: Psalm 50:10 says, for every animal of the forest is mine, and
the cattle on a thousand hills. The snapping turtle is a large freshwater turtle that can be
found in North America. Snapping turtles can weigh up to 300 pounds with a life span of
20-30 years. I would like to dedicate this thesis to my parents for helping me with the
research and my teacher for her guidance.
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Introduction Thesis Question/Topic:
My Introduction:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________
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Introduction
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts.)
Satisfactory
(2 pts.)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Heading
Student properly headed their paper with their name, date,
and class number.
Understanding Student demonstrates a clear understanding of how to
write a thesis introduction.
Preparedness Student submitted thesis introduction on time.
Format
Student followed the thesis introduction guidelines. The
introduction answered the question- what is my research
about?
Bible Verse The Bible verse was included within the introduction.
Dedication Student acknowledges the help that was received in
completing this project.
Grammar All sentences are well structured and free from errors in
grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Legibility Student’s work is easy to read.
Total
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Body
The body states all of the facts that were researched. Within the body you should include
the following:
The environment/habitat the animal lives in.
The animal’s features (what they look like)
What the animal eats.
One fun fact.
There should be a total of four (4) facts.
This assignment is due by
Example-Thesis Question/Topic: The Snapping Turtle
Example-Thesis Body (Four Facts):
Fact 1: The Snapping Turtle can be found in waters ranging from slow moving rivers to
stagnate ponds. The snapping turtle is mainly in the freshwaters of the United States
including, Florida, Texas, Missouri, Iowa, Western Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Fact 2: Snapping Turtles have large heads and a shell that is dark brown, rough and
usually covered in algae.
Fact 3: Snapping turtles will eat nearly anything that they can get their jaws around.
They feed on invertebrates, fish, birds, small mammals, and amphibians.
Fact 4: The average lifespan of snapping turtles is about 80–120 years in the wild.
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Body
Fact 1:
Fact 2:
Fact 3:
Fact 4:
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Body
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts)
Heading
Student properly headed their paper with their name,
date, and class number.
Understanding Student demonstrates a clear understanding of how to
write a thesis body (facts).
Preparedness Student submitted thesis body (facts) on time.
Format Student followed the thesis body guidelines. The body
includes four facts.
Habitat One fact describes the animal’s environment/habitat.
Animal
Features One fact describes the animal’s features.
Animal Eats One fact describes what the animal eats.
Fun Fact Student addressed one fun fact.
Grammar All sentences are well structured and free from errors in
grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Legibility Student’s work is easy to read.
Total
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Conclusion
The conclusion is a summary of your findings. Within the conclusion you should include
the following:
Summary of your findings.
Include your favorite fact and explain why it is your favorite fact.
This assignment is due by
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Conclusion
Thesis Question/Topic:
My Conclusion:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________
__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________
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Conclusion
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Heading
Student properly headed their paper with their name, date,
and class number.
Understanding Student demonstrates a clear understanding of how to
write a conclusion.
Preparedness Student submitted conclusion on time.
Format
Student followed the conclusion guidelines. The thesis
conclusion summarizes your findings and includes your
favorite fact. The summary also explains why the favorite
fact was selected.
Grammar All sentences are well-structured free from errors in
grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Legibility Student’s work is easy to read.
Total
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Costume Approval
1. What prop will you use in the presentation?
2. How did your person use it?
Tutor’s Signature
Comments:
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Index Cards
In class, students will begin writing their Thesis information on index cards. They will
complete and make any necessary corrections to the index cards at home with parent
assistance. Students will use their Thesis Index Cards to present their Thesis Projects on
presentation day.
Corrected index cards are due by
Before you begin pay attention to the following:
1. Number your cards in the bottom right hand corner with the numbers 1-8. If you
need more cards, more are available.
2. Only write on the side of the cards with the lines. If there is not enough space on
one card, use the next card to finish the section you are working on.
3. Make sure you are writing in your neatest handwriting. You will have to read
your own handwriting when you are presenting.
Please use the following guidelines to make your cards:
Card One– Greeting
For Example: Good Morning Deans, Faculty and Staff, Parents, and Students.
My name is Ms. Johnson.
Card Two– Thesis Dedication
Write 2 sentences that addresses who you are dedicating your presentation to.
You may use the dedication that was in your final paper. Please only use two
sentences that summarize your dedication.
Card Three– Introduction
Write five sentences that will capture your audience. Make sure to include your
Thesis statement and Bible Verse.
Card Four– Fact 1
Explain the environment/habitat the animal lives in.
Card Five– Fact 2
Explain the animal’s features (what they look like).
Card Six– Fact 3
Explain what the animal eats.
Card Seven– Fact 4
Share one fun fact.
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Card Eight– Conclusion
Write the summary of your findings and include your favorite fact and explain
why it is your favorite fact.
Please note: You should not have more than 10 cards. Your oral presentations should not
last longer than 5 minutes.
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Index Cards
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Index Card
Format
Student properly headed their index cards with the
following: Student name and index cards are properly
numbered on the bottom right hand corner.
Greeting The index card provides a greeting to the audience and
the name of the presenter.
Dedication The index card acknowledges who the presentation is
dedicated to.
Format Student followed the thesis index cards guidelines. The
thesis index cards include all required sections.
Facts 1 The index card(s) describes a landmark for the state.
Fact 2 The index card(s) describes the history of the state flag.
Fact 3 The index card(s) identifies the state flower.
Facts 4-8 The index card(s) addressed four fun facts about the
state.
Conclusion
The index card(s) included the summary of your
findings, a favorite fun fact, and why it is your favorite
fact.
Preparedness Student submitted thesis index cards on time.
Grammar All sentences are well-structured, free from errors in
grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Legibility Student’s work is easy to read.
Total
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Oral Presentation
"If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile
driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time, a
tremendous whack."
---Winston Churchill
First Impressions
Interesting subject matter is not enough to guarantee the success of a presentation. On the
other hand, you know from listening to speakers yourself that some speakers are so good
that they can hold your attention no matter what topic they are covering. The speaker's
appearance, posture/gestures, eye contact, and voice all contribute to the success or
failure of a presentation.
Appearance
This is the first thing your audience will notice. Therefore, it is important to dress
appropriately. Think of thesis presentation day as a job interview and dress accordingly
(Chapel Uniform Required). Dress comfortably so that you look and feel good without
being flamboyant.
Posture
If possible, try not to pace, shift your weight from one foot to another. Any movements
you make should be directly related to your topic. You do not want your audience to pay
so much attention to unrelated movement that they lose track of what you are saying.
Eye Contact
Of course you look at your friends when you talk to them. When you give a speech, you
should think of the audience as your friends and look directly at them. A person in the
audience likes to think that the speaker is speaking directly to him or her; eye contact
establishes this connection. Scan the room, looking right, left, and center. Remember,
your audience wants you to succeed, and they can convey a feeling of encouragement to
you through their eye contact.
Voice
Your voice conveys emotions and meaning in addition to the topic-related content. Use
your voice to get and hold your audience's attention. As you practice, think about:
• Pitch: vary pitch to convey meaning. People with continually high-pitched,
lowpitched, or monotonous voices are hard to listen to. Record yourself while you
speak and listen to the pitch of your own voice to see if it is pleasant and
engaging.
• Volume: Your audience must be able to hear you. Vary your volume so that
everyone in the room can hear you at all times.
• Pronunciation: Make sure you can pronounce all the words in your presentation
accurately. If you are unsure, or constantly stumble over certain words, write them
phonetically on your note cards.
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• Enunciation: This refers to the clarity of your speech. Do not run words together
or drop the ends of words. Watch for continuous use of words that do not add to
your presentation; for instance, as you practice, count the number of times you say
"like" during your speech and try to eliminate that habit.
• Rate: Are you too fast, or too slow? Give your audience "think" time as you
speak.
• Pauses: Do not be afraid of brief pauses, and try not to fill them with "uh," "okay,"
or "ummm."
• Tone: Convey your enthusiasm for your topic with your tone of voice. Your tone
will make your audience enthusiastic about your topic too.
Practice Your Presentation
Having good note cards and knowing your subject are still not enough preparation for an
oral presentation. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be when you are
standing in front of your audience. Use these methods to practice:
• Work out the kinks in a practice presentation with your parents and teachers. You
also will have opportunities to present to your classmates.
• Deliver your speech in front of a mirror; notice whether or not you are using
gestures appropriately.
• Use a tape recorder to analyze the effectiveness of your voice.
• Use a video camera to get a picture of what you look and sound like during your
presentation.
• Do a dress rehearsal in the actual presentation room. Time yourself. Use your
visual aids. Have a friend be your audience and give you feedback.
But I'm Nervous Giving a Speech…
Giving a speech can be a nerve-wracking experience, even for people who are used to
doing it. Here are some tips to control anxiety:
• Practice, practice, practice. The best relief from feelings of anxiety is to feel
prepared. This is not the time to wing it.
• Remind yourself that you are the expert on this topic. You have done the research,
you have completed your project, and you are prepared.
• Remind yourself that your audience wants you to succeed. They want to hear you.
• They want to know what you have to say about this experience.
• Use relaxation techniques before your presentation. Take a few deep breaths
before you begin speaking.
• Make eye contact with your mentor, advisor, friends, or parents at the beginning
of your presentation, to get support and encouragement.
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Oral Presentation
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Physical
Presentation
The student maintained a pleasant facial expression.
The student made eye contact with panelists and
audience.
The student dressed in required attire.
General
Observation The student was prepared.
The student demonstrated knowledge of the topic.
The student spoke with confidence.
Panel
Interaction
The student provided adequate responses to questions
posed.
The student demonstrated an understanding of the
subject matter beyond what was presented.
Total
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Display Board Example
Introduction
Fact 1
Fact 2
Fact 3
Fact 4
Name of Animal
Thesis Statement
Photo
Photo of State Flag
Bible Verse
Photo
Photo
Photo
Conclusion
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Display Board
Rubric
Category Scoring Criteria Excellent
(3 pts)
Satisfactory
(2 pts)
Minimal
(1 pt.)
Missing
(0 pts.)
Title
Display Board has a title (name of state included).
Thesis
Statement
Thesis Statement is included on the Display Board.
Introduction
Introduction is included on the Display Board.
Flag Picture of State flag is on the Display Board.
Bible Verse Selected Thesis Bible Verse is included on the Display
Board.
Facts Four (4) facts and four (4) fun facts are included on the
Display Board.
Conclusion Conclusion is included on the Display Board.
Pictures
Pictures related to topic are included on the Display
Board.
Craftsmanship Display Board is creative, shows effort, and well
organized.
Total