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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