Why do it?

Knowing how to find information about a topic is an important skill. And even though Google can find almost anything, knowing what to look for and how to look is the key. That's an important reason for doing this project.

But there's another reason. Most research projects have a bad case of the smush. A bunch of facts about a topic are just smushed together, usually with no new ideas.

The I-Search project is different. Your job is to research a question that will lead you to make some new ideas about your topic. Here are some sample questions:

• What would it be like to be/live/do...?
• What would be different if...?
• What are the best / worst / strangest / most amazing / weirdest...?
• What are some reasons to...?
• What are some reasons not to...?

What are the rules?

You can do almost anything, as long as you...

• find a topic appropriate for your audience
• find three (3) or more sources of information
• make at least one of the sources a book
• make at least one of the sources a website
• tell the names of the books and websites you use for information
• use your own words in your project, instead of just copying what your sources say
• find more information than you will use, instead of just getting a minimum amount. How can you find out the top three strangest bugs in the world if you don't learn about more than three bugs?

What will it look like?

Your final project will be a digital presentation created using Google Slides presentation software. You will present the findings of your research to other students or classes who will sign up to attend your talk.

Your presentation should include just the most important information that you found to answer your question, but also your ideas about your question.

Your presentation will include text and images.

How will it be graded?

This project will be graded as a portfolio piece, using the usual writing features:

• ideas (information about your topic, sources, multimedia in your presentation)
• organization (order the information so others can understand your ideas)
• style and voice (interesting, creative writing and presentation)
• conventions (readable digital presentation)

How will it be presented?

You will present your research in the small gym. There will be four presentations during each session, and other students from our school will attend your talk. You will present your research and give your talk, and answer questions afterward.