/ Research Project

Research Due Dates and Requirements

Many of you are familiar with urban legends and cryptid monster stories. For our next research project, you will be researching a particular urban legend or monster and present your findings to the class. This research project is meant to be fun and informative, but is a major grade project. You will be given some time in class to conduct research on the internet and to write, type and edit your research. However, most of the project will be done outside of class. Use your time wisely.

Research Requirements:

1. You must have at least four sources for your work-cited page. 2. One of your sources must be in print form. (newspapers, magazines, books, etc.) 3. All sources must be cited in MLA format. We will be going over this in class again. 4. We will have a few days with the library computer labs for you to do your research. 5. Keep ALL research found, documented in your research envelope. You should re-use the one from the last project if possible. 6. Refer to your MLA style format guide in your composition book for information on how to cite your research. It must be cited parenthetically and on a works cited page. 7. DO NOT CUT AND PASTE FROM THE INTERNET! IT IS ILLEGAL AND CONSIDERED CHEATING/PLAGIARISM!

Some things to keep in mind: 1. Reporters write in the upside-down triangle format giving the most general info first and getting more specific as the article goes. 2. Don't forget to add eye-witness accounts with quotes. 3. Keep in mind the audience for your article. 4. Also remember that NONE of these creatures has been "proven" to exist. There are eyewitness accounts, videos, stories and the like, but there are also rampant hoaxes out there that are produced for fun and entertainment or in some cases, just to promote tourism. As a reporter, your job is to just state the FACTS as they exist in your research.

Part I - Newspaper Article - Due at the end of class on 03/09/2018

The first part of your research project will be to write a newspaper article about a sighting or encounter with your assigned creature.

Article must be: 1. 12 pt. font / Times New Roman / Double Spaced 2. 1 to 1½ pages typed. (This does not include work-cited page) 3. Article needs a "headline" or “tagline” 4. Must have work-cited page with at least four sources cited in MLA style telling me where you found your information.

Article must answer the following questions: a. Where does it live and what is it’s habitat like? b. What does it look like? c. Where was it sighted? d. Are there pictures or video of it? e. Does it have a particular smell it gives off or sound that it makes? f. What is the story or legend behind it? g. Are there credible eyewitness accounts of the creature?

Part II -"You Are The Expert" Paper:

1. Create a THREE page paper incorporating all of the information from your research. 2. The paper should include everything you know about the creature or legend. Be creative. Before you write, decide whether you want to prove its existence or disprove it. Do you want others to believe and join you in the hunt for proof? You make the decision for the focus of your paper. Either way it is an argumentative paper. You are arguing either FOR or AGAINST the existence of the monster or legend. 3. Have your rough-draft of the paper ready for peer editing in class on Monday March 26th. 4. Final drafts are due in class the week of April 9th. Any paper received after Friday the 13th is subject to a Letter Grade decrease per day that it is late.

Requirements: a. Title (this should be an original and interesting title NOT just the name of your creature) b. Picture (either print one from the internet or draw it out yourself) c. Include at least 2 direct quotes from witnesses or experts. d. MLA citations (if there are no parenthetical citations or works cited page it is a ZERO)

Part III – Presentation

The final part of this project is to present it to the class. You must create some type of digital representation. It can be a free website, google slides, power point, etc.

Requirements 1. Title 2. Picture of Monster 3. Origin of Story 4. Interesting Facts (at least 5) 5. Conclusion (real or not?) and WHY 6. Works Cited Page

REMEMBER!

Have FUN with this! Watch videos, look for proof, decide whether you believe!

Research Project Options

1. Lake Norman Monster 15. Beaman Monster

2. 16. Beast of Bray Road

3. / Sasquatch 17. Ozark Howler

4. / Abominable Snowman 18. Scape Ore Swamp Monster

5. Chupacabra 19. Winsted Wildman

6. Flying Humanoids 20. Bear Lake Serpent

7. Swamp Ape/ 21. Batsquatch

8. Big Bird of Texas 22. The Loveland Frog

9. South Carolina Lizard Man 23. Enfield Horror

10. La Llorona 24. Devil's Lake Monster

11. Agropelter 25. Alkali Monster

12. Murphysboro Mud Monster 26. Momo

13. West Virginia 27. Thunderbirds

14. 28. Nain Rouge

If you have an idea not listed please approve it with Ms. Hartman BEFORE you start researching.