Becoming passionate communicators

All kinds of writing goes on in middle school: from mini-thesis papers to the activity above, where a visiting graphic novelist inspired students to come up with their own cartoon-like stories.

Today I got the list of topics for the 8th grade thesis projects - something I look forward to every year.  Middle school kids are passionate about ideas and the range of topics this year proves the point. Students have done their initial research, organized note cards into a system that informs an outline, and then the writing and re-writing begins on a ten to twenty page paper. There is a presentation component, and students rise to the occasion with powerful words and images that condense their ideas into a 5 minute talk.

As social studies teacher James says, "This assignment is designed as a keynote experience for Parker students to exhibit the knowledge and interests developed during their time at the school."

Class of 2016 topics:

The Mexican Border
The Death Penalty
Common Core Standards
Gun Control
Gambling and Gaming
Obesity
Racial Profiling
Gay Rights
Violence in Video Games
Undocumented Workers
Animal Rights and the Best Approach to Protection
Incarceration and Violence