**Lesson Plan: Research and Citation Skills**
**Grade Level:** 9
**Subject:** English Language Arts
**Duration:** 90 minutes
**Objective:**
- Students will understand the importance of research and citation.
- Students will learn how to locate credible sources.
- Students will practice citing sources using MLA format.
**Materials Needed:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Computers or tablets with internet access
- Handouts outlining MLA citation format
- Example list of sources
- Projector
- Research worksheet
- Pens/pencils
**Introduction (15 minutes):**
1. **Hook:** Start with a brief discussion about the importance of researching credible sources in everyday life and academics. Mention recent news stories where misinformation had wide-reaching impacts to illustrate the importance of accuracy.
2. **Objective Overview:** Clearly state the objective of the lesson. Explain what students will achieve by the end of the session.
3. **Warm-Up Activity:** Distribute a worksheet with snippets of information. Ask students to determine which snippets are credible and which are not. Discuss their choices.
**Direct Instruction (20 minutes):**
1. **Presentation:** Using the projector, present the steps involved in the research process:
- Identifying a Research Question
- Conducting Preliminary Research
- Evaluating Sources for Credibility (CRAAP Test: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose)
- Taking Notes and Organizing Information
2. **Demonstration:** Show how to use online databases and library resources. Do a live search for a topic relevant to students' interests or curricula.
3. **Citation Instruction:** Explain the importance of citing sources to avoid plagiarism. Introduce MLA format with examples on the handout.
**Guided Practice (20 minutes):**
1. **Small Group Activity:** Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a different source type (book, website, journal article, etc.). Ask them to locate a credible example and write a citation for it in MLA format.
2. **Group Sharing:** Have groups share their citations and discuss the approach they took to find and evaluate the source.
**Independent Practice (25 minutes):**
1. **Research Assignment:** Assign students a brief research task on a current event or relevant topic. Students will need to:
- Find at least two credible sources.
- Take notes summarizing the key information.
- Create a Works Cited page in MLA format.
**Assessment (10 minutes):**
1. **Quiz:** Conduct a short quiz to assess students’ understanding of evaluating sources and MLA citation.
2. **Walkthrough:** Discuss common errors and how to avoid them while citing sources.
**Closure (10 minutes):**
1. **Recap:** Summarize the key points of the lesson. Reiterate the importance of research and proper citation.
2. **Q&A:** Open the floor for any questions. Encourage students to discuss any challenges they faced during the activities.
3. **Homework Assignment:** Assign students to continue their research on their selected topic, ensuring they use at least three different types of sources and come prepared with a draft of their Works Cited page for the next class.
**Additional Notes:**
- Keep an eye out for students who might struggle with navigating online databases and offer additional support as needed.
- Emphasize that practice makes perfect when it comes to citation formats. Encourage students to check each other’s work for accuracy.
By the end of the lesson, students should feel more confident in their ability to conduct research and properly cite their sources using MLA format, which will support their academic writing skills going forward.