Censorship in School Libraries

Library Media MLO's

Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use information resources, equipment and other technologies effectively and efficiently.
Students will demonstrate the ability to review, evaluate and select media.
Students will demonstrate the ability to learn and apply reading, research and critical thinking skills to organize, and synthesize information in order to communicate new understanding.

RESEARCH PROCESS

DIRECTIONS FOR STUDENTS

Unit Essential Questions:

What strategies do people use to bring about a personal triumph?

Kid Questions - Brainstorm questions you want to know:

What is censorship?

Why would books be banned?

What is my opinion on censorship in school libraries?

What is happening with censorship in school libraries now?

What might happen in the future if there is censorship in school libraries?

Who are the stakeholders?

What might the impact of censorship in school libraries be?

What are the different perspectives?

What are the other candidates' point of view?

What are the pros and cons of the issue?

What are your sources? Are they reliable?

Where can you go for information?

What books have been put out of circulation?

What is an editorial?

Who is the Press Club? Who is your audience?

Scenario

You are an editor for one of the newspapers in your city. Censorship in school libraries has become an issue in the upcoming school board election, and you plan to do a series of articles on censorship. The paper wants to consider all sides of the issue so that voters can make an informed choice among candidates for the school board. One candidate says that free access to information and literature is an essential ingredient for knowledge and freedom. Another candidate says that censorship is sometimes necessary to protect values, culture, and national security. The other school board candidates have not stated their viewpoints. As the editor, you are required to research the issue, take a stand, and write an editorial. In addition, you must make a presentation to the Press Club to defend your point of view.

Process

AGOPP

A	Ask Questions	Question Graphic Organizer
G	Gather Information	Two Sides to the Story GO Note Taking Research Grid Model Research Grid
O	Organize Information	Project Outline Graphic Organizer
P	Prepare/Produce Information	Daily Research Plan
P	Present/Assess Information	Daily Research Evaluation Checksheet

Assessments

Click here for the Censorship Project Rubric.

Gather and Sort

Gather Information from a Variety of Sources

Gather your information using the Graphic Organizers above. Be sure to write down the correct Bibliographic information as soon as you use a source. Check your NBMS handbook and your science divider for correct Bibliographic form. To avoid plagarism, properly paraphrase and quote while taking notes. Use this site to help you avoid plagarism.

Organize

Analyze your research notes to determine if you have answered the scenario and followed the rubric.

Synthesize your findings by creating a first draft of your product.

Use the Project Outline Graphic Organizer to help you get organized.

What new insights have emerged about your topics?
Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?

Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task

Use the Daily Research Evaluation Checksheet

Have you gathered sufficient details about your topic?
Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense for your audience?
Are you ready to create your final product?

Conclusion

Presentation

You will be making a presentation to the Press Club to defend your point of view.

Reflection

We will use exit cards to determine your feelings of success with this project.