# Lesson Plan: Research and Citation Skills
**Grade Level:** 9
**Subject:** Language Arts
**Duration:** 90 minutes
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## Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the importance of research and the various sources of information.
2. Identify credible and reliable sources.
3. Understand and apply proper citation methods (MLA format).
4. Demonstrate proper research skills and create a Works Cited page.
## Materials Needed:
- Computer with internet access
- Projector/Smartboard
- Handouts of MLA citation guide
- Notebooks
- Pens/Pencils
- Example sources (books, articles, websites)
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## Lesson Overview:
### Introduction (10 minutes)
- Begin with a brief discussion on why research is essential in higher education and everyday decision-making.
- Ask students to share any experiences they've had with formal research, even if it’s just looking up information online.
### Direct Instruction (15 minutes)
- Present various types of sources (books, scholarly articles, websites, etc.) and distinguish between primary and secondary sources.
- Discuss the criteria for evaluating sources for credibility and reliability:
- Author’s credentials
- Publication date
- Publisher's reputation
- Purpose of the source
- Fact-checking and cross-referencing
### Activity 1: Identifying Credible Sources (15 minutes)
- Hand out examples of different types of sources.
- In groups, have students evaluate the given sources using the discussed criteria.
- Each group will share their evaluations and reasoning with the class.
### Break (5 minutes)
### Direct Instruction on Citation (20 minutes)
- Introduce the concept of plagiarism and how proper citation helps to avoid it.
- Explain the basics of MLA citation format. Provide examples for books, articles, and websites.
- Hand out MLA citation guides for reference.
### Activity 2: Practice with Citation (20 minutes)
- Provide students with sample research notes containing information from various sources.
- Students will work in pairs to create citations for each piece of information using the MLA format.
- Go over the answers as a class to clarify any mistakes.
### Creating a Works Cited Page (20 minutes)
- Using their previously created citations, have students compile a Works Cited page.
- Show an example on the projector/Smartboard and walk through the format and layout.
- Allow students to ask questions and provide feedback.
### Assessment and Homework (5 minutes)
- For assessment, each student will submit their Works Cited page.
- Assign a research topic for homework. Students will be required to find at least three credible sources and create an annotated bibliography.
## Wrap-up
- Recap the main points of the lesson:
1. The importance of research and the criteria for evaluating sources.
2. Basics of MLA citation and how to avoid plagiarism.
3. Practical skills in creating a Works Cited page.
- Answer any remaining questions and provide words of encouragement on the upcoming homework assignment.
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## Alignment with Standards:
- **Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for English Language Arts:**
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.9-10.8: "Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the usefulness of each source in answering the research question; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism, and following a standard format for citation."
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.9-10.7: "Analyze various accounts of a subject told in different mediums (e.g., a person's life story in both print and multimedia), determining which details are emphasized in each account."
By completing this lesson, students will develop skills that are essential for their academic success and beyond, fostering critical thinking and ethical practices in research.