EElementary lementary PPerformance erformance AAssessmentssessment

EElementary lementary PPerformance erformance AAssessmentssessment

What is the EPA?

• 6th grade in-school research project• Requires developing a research

question• Involves locating relevant

information• Concludes with a written report and

oral presentation

Developing a Research Question

• Make a list of interesting topics• Pre-research the topics in the

school library• Select a focus question for each

topic

Test Your Question

• Does the question…– Begin with “How” or “Why”?– Require varied sources of

information?– Challenge you to learn new

information?• Can the question …

– Be organized into 3-5 thoughtful sub-questions?

Locating Resources

• Varied resources include:– Non-fiction books (Spectrum Patron’s

Catalog)– Special reference sets (i.e.: Grolier’s

Biographies, Diseases, 20th Century)– Access PA Power Library– Magazines– Encyclopedias– Reliable Internet Sites

Taking Notes• Choose a note taking method

– Note cards– Outline notes– 2-column notes

• Write works consulted information for each source

• Rephrase important information using bullets or key words (No Sentences!)

• NO PLAGIARISM!

Writing Your Report• Organize notes into sub-questions• Write body paragraphs first• Choose an effective order for body

paragraphs– Chronological (time)– Importance– Strength

• Develop an introduction and conclusion

• Revise and Edit

Check Your Written Report

• Does your report…– Answer the research question in 2-3

typed pages?– Follow the required word processing

format (see packet)?– Include transition words to smoothly

connect ideas?– Have an accurate and complete works

consulted?

Preparing Your PowerPoint

• Select key ideas from each paragraph

• Develop 5-7 slides– Title slide– Introduction– Sub-questions– Conclusion– Works consulted for images

Final PowerPoint Check

• Does your PowerPoint…– Have a consistent background and

font color?– Have a font size that can be easily

seen from a distance?– Use brief phrases?– Include appropriate images to

enhance content?

Preparing Your Oral Presentation

• Print a copy of PowerPoint slides (handout form- 3 slides per page)

• Write any notes or cues needed on the lines provided

• Create an engaging introduction (hook the audience)

• Use effective oral presentation skills

• Practice…practice…practice!

Time Management• Day One (4 hours):

– Locate sources– Write works consulted– Take notes– Write a rough draft

• Day Two (4 Hours):– Revise and edit written paper– Print two copies of final draft– Develop and practice oral presentation– Review checklists and guidelines