Day 1:

HOOK- show video clip

Read beginning only of embedded problem as a class

Have students complete capital punishment opinion poll

Project/read quote from Amnesty International about capital punishment

Complete KND chart as a class

Create anticipated problem statement as a class using KND chart

Separate into base groups based on silent poll results

Hand out PBL packet

Decide on individual roles within group

Choose websites to research.

Day 3:

Prep session: Vocabulary

HOOK-The board game where one word is made up

Define vocabulary words as a large group- remaining words through PowerPoint

Prep session: Note-taking

Discuss Note-taking help sheet

Practice taking notes on history of capital punishment (as a class)

Day 4:

Prep session: Research

Discuss "Types of websites" and "Evaluating websites" handouts

Link to sample site with bias

Prep session: Fact vs. opinion

Break into research groups based on website choices

Begin researching

Complete comfort level and comprehension drawing (last 5 minutes)

 Discuss drawings

Research

Complete research reflection log

Collaborate with research group to identify information still needed

Research

Discuss availability and usefulness of sources

Turn in website evaluation sheets

Base groups: share information

Base groups: share information

Prepare possible recommendations to Congress

Day 10:

Prep session: Letters- Format

Hand out and discuss rubric

Draft letters in base groups

Choose member to type letter

Find Congressional addresses-

Address envelopes

Debate and discuss solutions in base groups

Complete recommendation sheet

Discuss and critique recommendations as a class

Day 12: Finish discussion of solutions

Come to consensus (each base group) about final recommendation to be made to Congress

Begin work on thesis statements for position

paper

Day 13: Prep session: Position paper

Finalize thesis statements

Select support to incorporate in paper

Write a preliminary outline in base groups

Day 14: Prep session: MLA format

Demonstrate and practice in-text citations

Individual group conferences with teacher to check progress and understanding

Type position papers in base groups

Day 16: LAB

Type position papers in base groups

Print out a copy of paper for each group member

Edit position papers

Collect and organize resources for bibliographies- type

Revise position papers

Prep session: Speeches/presentation

Show PowerPoint on speeches

Create speakers’ notes for presentation to "Congress"

Day 19:

Final day to discuss, organize and rehearse with base groups

(need 5 volunteer faculty members to listen to presentations)

If time is a problem, presentations can be videotaped.

Read follow-up letter to students