The ability to research ideas and present them well benefits students beyond their school days into adulthood. Fundamentals of Research & Presentation introduces students to logic-level research and presentation skills which students can practice throughout their coursework. Students gain experience with varied presentation tools as they develop clear, engaging and well-organized presentations. This course offers a fun way for students to learn about their own states as well as the states their classmates call home, since students use the history of their own home area (state, province or country) as the research content. This class helps students prepare for rhetoric-level courses, including Senior Thesis, which require the ability to communicate what they are learning in clear and concise ways. For US students, this class fulfills typical requirements for a state history class in 7th or 8th grade.

Topics include: Public speaking and class presentations, oral and visual presentation skills; research skills, emphasizing how to identify and use high quality internet sources; historic saints and scoundrels, heroes and history-makers, American Indians, explorers, early settlements, borders and statehood; U.S. states and capitals; major geographical landforms and regions; natural resources and industries.

Homework Habits: Students typically spend 3 hours a week researching a total of nine presentation projects throughout the year, in addition to their work with maps. Additional time and effort may be required during the weeks when a student is giving an oral presentation.

Suggested Grade Level: 8, or mature 7th grade students who are 12 by September 1 of the current year

2024-2025 Book List