In the "Non-Fiction and Synthesis/Research Essay" unit, students will select a non-fiction text that addresses or builds upon a topic addressed in the prior "Dystopian Unit". Books selections include: Outliers by Malcom Gladwell, Survival of the Sickest by Dr. Sharon Moalem, Freakonomics by Levitt and Dubner, Stiff by Mary Roach, The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollen, The World Without Us by Alan Weisman, Slow Death by Rubber Ducky by Rick Smith and Bruce Lourie. Students will participate in books discussions and a brief presentation using Prezi. Students will also practice synthesis essay prompts using provided AP samples. Finally, Students will research and collect more credible article sources discussing thier issue from non-fiction and write a synthesis/reserach essay using thier own data/reserach.
Formative Assessments for this quarter: Synthesis/Research essay practice activities, responses; Multiple choice AP sample quizzes; vocabulary quizzes; reading comprehension quizzes; Sentence pattern activities and assignments; Paraphrasing and summarizing activites.
Summative Assessments for this quarter: Synthesis/Research Essay, Metacognitive Essay, Non-Fiction Text Presentation
Objectives for this unit: Students will be able to select relevent, interesting, research worthy topics. Students will be able to research a variety of credible sources regarding the selected topic. Students will be able to make connections to fiction and non-fiction works from the course regarding the selected topic. Students will be able to present their research in an organized and engaging speech which includes a visual organizer for their collected research and materials. Students will be able to reflect on the course content and skills addressed in the course in an organized, engaging piece of writing.
Skills addressed this quarter: