P.E. Research Project

P.E. Research Project

The student will write an argumentative research paper and create a visual presentation that states his/her position on an issue and gives detailed evidence to support that opinion.

Process
1. Select a research topic/question from the list below.
2. Read the background articles provided.
3. Research to find additional sources. (Minimum of 4 sources)
4. Read the resources and extract evidence to develop your answer to the questions. Your conclusions must be based on facts from credible information sources.
5. Create a works cited page. ( I need enough information to go directly to the location. Source, page number, etc.)
6. After researching, you will state your position on an issue and give details to support your views. Present and share your position in a visual presentation (ppt, prezi, or PSA video) and a 2-3 page paper (DS, 12 pt ,Times New Roman). Your presentation/paper must do the following:
a. Provide sufficient background and context on the topic
b. Explain why the question is an important one to answer.
Why should we care?
c. Make a clear claim/Take a position.
d. Include evidence from your sources to support your claim
e. Give thoughtful/ detailed evidence and analysis
f. Provide a conclusion
g. Cite your sources
7. Make a copy of theRESEARCH PAPER PACKET. You may complete it electronically or by hand. If you complete it electronically share it with Coach Phillips ()

Topics & Inquiry Questions

Note: You may elect to do a different topic than the ones presented below. You will need to get approval for your topic and develop a thoughtful research question that allows for rigorous research.
1. Brain Injury & Contact Sports
Research Question(s):

Examine the contemporary controversy concerning traumatic brain injury and contact sports. What is the scientific evidence behind the controversy? What, if anything, should be done? You may want to explore a specific area (ex. the NFL, soccer, concussions and children in contact sports)

Background Articles & Sources:
PBS Frontline: The NFL’s Concussion Crisis

Independent Lens: Traumatic Brain Injury

2.Physical Activity and Academic Achievement
Research Question(s):

What is the connection between physical activity and academic achievement? Find and read the science behind this connection. What recommendations would you make concerning teens and physical activity if you were a school administrator? (Cite specific evidence to support your recommendations.)

Background Articles & Sources:
cdc.gov/healthyyouth/health_and_academics/pdf/pa-pe_paper.pdf
nytimes.com/2013/05/25/opinion/exercise-and-academic-performance.html?_r=0(Op Ed)

3. Kids/Teens & Organized Sports
Research Question:

What are the positive and negative effects of early specialization in sports?
What are other issues of concern regarding kids in organized sports? Develop your own research question to respond?
What factors are the most important for keeping kids in sports and maintaining an active lifestyle throughout the teen years?

Articles & Sources:
huntleywriters.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Competitive-Youth-Sports.pdf
humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/late-specialization-is-recommended-for-most-sports

thetalentcode.com/2014/02/06/hey-parents-quit-raising-specialists
washingtonpost.com/express/wp/2014/07/22/a-new-study-about-what-makes-sports-fun
4.Disease Outbreaks and the Public Health Response
Research Question:

During a disease outbreak like Ebola or H1N1--what is more dangerous: the epidemic or the fear of the epidemic? What are the best practices for public health administrators faced with a disease outbreak?

Articles & Sources
pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/ebola-outbreak/
npr.org/tags/147820238/ebola
time.com/3546125/ebola-quarantine-chris-christie-kaci-hickox/
5.The Vaccine War
Research Question(s):

What are the benefits of the CDC’s (Center for Disease Cotnrol) recommendation that every child receive certain vaccinations by age 6 to public health officials, to the community and to other children?

Some parents and health care professionals question the CDC’s recommendations and decide not to vaccinate their children. How might this decision affect others?
Who should be involved in deciding whether children receive a specific vaccine?Should the government have the right to compel vaccination? Should parents have the right to refuse it? After completing your research, where do you stand on this issue? What are your recommendations? (These questions adapted from PBS Frontline’s “Classroom Activities” page.)

Articles & Sources:
pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/vaccines/
npr.org/blogs/health/2014/09/30/351242264/vaccine-controversies
6.Drug Use & Teens
Research Question(s):

Develop an argument supporting the claim that the history of tobacco has implications for the unfolding story of marijuana. Describe the parallels and contrasts using both historical and scientific information.

Background Articles & Sources:
Marijuana: Breaking Down the Myths headsup.scholastic.com/articles/marijuana-facts
National Institute on Drug Abuse drugabuse.gov/publications/marijuana-facts-teens/want-to-know-more-some-faqs-about-marijuana
7.Additional Topic Ideas(from the NY Times)

If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It?
Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football?
Should College Football Players Get Paid?
When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying?
Has Baseball Lost Its Cool?
Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense?
Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots?
Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?
Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports?
Is Cheerleading a Sport?
How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay?
Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players?
Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals?
Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere?
Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports?
Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community?

research_presentation_rubric.doc