There are enough historical figures for students to find someone who interest them. This research project will call for them to use sources and learn how to cite them, as well as teach them how to summarize information gathered from several sources. To facilitate their best work, allow students to use several types of sources, including magazines, newspapers and Internet sites.
Any parent of a teenager will likely tell you that her child loves to make a point. Well, the persuasive essay is the perfect opportunity for a teen to put together a case for what he believes in. At the same time, it will help him develop the valuable skill of selling. Some of the topics for a persuasive speech include: Grades Do Not Reflect Intelligence; Teenagers Should Be Treated Like Adults; _____ is The Best Television Show (or musical group, actor, etc.); and How to Improve Our School.
The language and arts curriculum for eighth grade at a typical school district now includes education on how to prevent bullying and prejudice, and many learn about the history of these behaviors through study of the Holocaust and American slavery. Students can develop their own thoughts and incorporate them into research on bullying and prejudice of the past to develop a plan for how to reduce the behaviors in their society. At the same time, they will learn how to present a case of original ideas backed by historical evidence.
Assign students a foreign language to study, including its origins, history and similarities to English. Ask them to find how the language made its way into our language. Encourage students to find someone with direct experience, such as a relative from the country whose natives speak the topic language.