Writing a research paper is an important skill for 7th graders to develop as they advance in their education. At this grade level, research papers typically range from 5-8 pages and require students to explore topics in more depth than just summarizing information. Effective 7th grade research papers feature a clearly stated thesis, strong supporting evidence, and in-text citations to attribute information to credible sources. To help provide samples for 7th grade students writing their first research papers, here are two examples covering different topics at an age-appropriate depth and style.
Sample Research Paper 1: The History and Impact of Smartphones
Introduction
The introduction should start with a hook to engage the reader and lead into the thesis statement. For example: Smartphones have become an essential part of daily life for people around the world. Smartphones have not always existed and their rise to popularity happened very quickly over the past 15 years. The goal of this paper is to explore the history and development of smartphones and examine their impact on communication, work, education, and daily life.
Brief History
Provide a few paragraphs giving a brief overview of the key events and advancements that led to the development of smartphones. Things to discuss could include precursors like PDAs in the 1990s, the original iPhone unveiling in 2007, and trends that drove broader adoption like touchscreens, app stores, and improved data plans. Summarize the key players and technologies at a high level without going into too much technical detail.
Impact on Communication
Discuss how smartphones have changed communication habits and options. Integration of phone calls, texting, and social media into a single mobile device allowed constant connectivity. Mention emerging communication apps popular with teens/tweens like Snapchat, Instagram, etc. Quote a brief expert opinion on both positive and negative impacts to communication and relationships.
Impact on Work and Education
Explain how the portability and connectivity of smartphones allowed more flexible work arrangements like working remotely. Discuss trends in mobile learning and the role smartphones play in education through research, collaborating on projects, and accessing additional educational resources. Provide a student perspective on the benefits of smartphones in middle school classes and homework.
Impact on Daily Life and Conclusion
Summarize other impacts like navigation/maps, photography/sharing, shopping/payments, accessibility to information, and customization through apps. Conclude by restating your thesis about the rapid rise and wide-reaching effects of smartphones on communication, work, education, and daily activities.
Works Cited
List 4-6 credible sources used throughout the paper such as books, news articles from sources like CNN or New York Times, and studies/reports. Sources should be cited in-text and accompanied by properly formatted citations. For example: (Smith, 2020).
Sample Research Paper 2: Effects of Climate Change on Polar Bears
Introduction
Start with an attention-grabbing fact or question about polar bears, then state that this paper will examine the threats polar bears face due to climate change impacts like rising temperatures, sea ice loss, and pollution. Include a thesis stating the main effects of climate change discussed.
Physical and Behavioral Adaptations
Describe polar bears’ physical traits and behaviors that allow them to survive in the Arctic, such as thick fur/fat layers, camouflage, long distances between meals on sea ice, and maternal care of cubs. Explain that these adaptations are threatened by climate change disrupting their sea ice habitat.
Sea Ice Loss Due to Warming Temperatures
Explain that a majority of polar bears hunt for seals from sea ice platforms. Use data from scientific sources to show declining Arctic sea ice trends due to temperature increases disrupting the balance of polar bear survival. Describe challenges to hunting without stable sea ice.
Effects on Hunting and Nutrition
Discuss how less time on sea ice reduces opportunities for hunting and forces longer periods on land without food. Increased swimming activity also uses more energy. Cite studies on declines in body size and condition or reproduction/survival rates correlated to warming trends. Consider including a quote from a wildlife biologist.
Additional Threats like Pollution
Mention other threats like pollution ingestion, higher pollutant levels in prey like seals, and effects of wider environmental contaminants on their ecosystem. Discuss multifactorial nature of climate change impacts.
Conclusion and Conservation Efforts
Restate main threats and potential outcomes for polar bear populations without action. Suggest monitored protections of sea ice and pollution control could help while climate changes are addressed. Conservation groups working on solutions and endangered status.
Works Cited
scientifically credible sources must be cited and accompanied by corresponding in-text citations and formatted reference list. Evaluate information presented and draw your own conclusions on the challenges polar bears face.