Honors English II Life of Pi

Name: ______

English II—Life of Pi

Background Research Project

Topic #1: Animal Behavior (focus on social behavior)  Areas to address: history/origins of its study, types and/or categories, determining factors, types of conditioning  Databases to use as starting points: Grolier, Encyclopedia Americana (within Grolier online)

Topic #2: Zoos  Areas to address: (brief) history of zoos, (current) ethical debate over zoos  Databases to use as starting points: Opposing Viewpoints, Issues and Controversies, CQ Researcher

Topic #3: Hinduism  Areas to address: basic beliefs and practices, god(s)/deities, forms of worship, history of the religion, current situation (which could include social/cultural/political influences on both regions in which the religion is practiced and worldwide)  Databases to use as starting points: Grolier, Discovering Collection, Student Research Center (click on “Encyclopedia” link)

Topic #4 Christianity  Areas to address: basic beliefs and practices, god(s)/deities, forms of worship, history of the religion, current situation (which could include social/cultural/political influences on both regions in which the religion is practiced and worldwide)  Databases to use as starting points: Grolier, Discovering Collection, Student Research Center (click on “Encyclopedia” link)

Topic #5 Islam  Areas to address: basic beliefs and practices, god(s)/deities, forms of worship, history of the religion, current situation (which could include social/cultural/political influences on both regions in which the religion is practiced and worldwide)  Databases to use as starting points: Grolier, Discovering Collection, Student Research Center (click on “Encyclopedia” link)

Topic #6: Buddhism  Areas to address: basic beliefs and practices, god(s)/deities, forms of worship, history of the religion, current situation (which could include social/cultural/political influences on both regions in which the religion is practiced and worldwide)  Databases to use as starting points: Grolier, Discovering Collection, Student Research Center (click on “Encyclopedia” link)

Search Tips o Use bibliographies and suggestions for further reading at the ends of articles. o Explore links to reputable and helpful websites provided by Grolier and other databases. o Conduct searches using category search terms. o Try multiple search terms if necessary. (Use synonyms, key words within articles, variations of phrasing, etc.) Presentation Your presentation should be 3 - 4 minutes in length and should meet the standards specified on the rubric.

Visual Your visual should accurately and creatively represent information being presented. (See rubric.) A correctly formatted and typed works cited page with all group members’ names typed at the bottom should be attached to the back.

In creating your visual, pay careful attention to the choices you make. While aesthetic appeal is a must, colors, shapes, and page layout should also enhance the meaning of your verbal presentation in their symbolic significance. Pictures, charts/graphs, symbols, drawings, etc. should be chosen as those most relevant, significant, and striking to the information being conveyed verbally. Directions* Day One (in lab)  Research your topic to find information on the suggested areas listed above. Begin with the databases I have listed, using the general search terms of your topic. Use search tips to help you find the most relevant and informative articles.  As a group, decide which articles you will use as sources for your presentation. Your group must use a minimum of two database articles; you are encouraged to find additional database and internet sources to supplement these two.  Type out a works cited page including those articles to be used in your presentation.  Divide and delegate reading assignments to group members.  (Each group member should) read, annotate, and type notes (bullet point are fine) summarizing his/her delegated portion of the reading. You may need to finish this last step at home. (DETERMINE GROUP HOMEWORK HERE)

Day Two (in lab/class)  Share typed notes and decide upon what information will be included in your presentation. (Equally delegate and share presentation responsibilities; sequence order of information presented in a logical and effective fashion.)  Use the remainder of the time to complete visual and to practice presentation. You may need to finish this last step at home. (DETERMINE GROUP HOMEWORK HERE)

*NOTE: All members of the group are expected to participate equally in both preparation and presentation; this includes using your time wisely during class and completing work needing to be finished at home. A member’s failure to contribute equally and in a satisfactory manner towards achieving the group goal will result in that member receiving a lower grade than the rest of his/her group.

Calendar 6 A 7 B 8 C 9 B 10 C Life of Pi Research World Poetry Quiz Creating a Pi Visual

3rd and 6th hour – Life of Pi Research Library 4th and 7th Hour – Hw: Study for Poetry HW: Pi Research In Class Poster Test Creation Hw: Finish Visuals 13 A

Poster Presentation

Intro to Life of Pi

HW: Pi Chapter 1-7 and DJ