Process Paper
I decided to choose Martin Luther King Jr. because I am interested in his legacy and how it influenced African Americans later on. I researched ideas for my National History Day in my Social Studies class and with my parents. I looked through the National history Day websites, social studies textbooks, and online searches of turning points and discussed local topics with my parents. I was curious to learn about his life, the amazing things Martin Luther King Jr. did and important events that occurred before and after the speech. I hoped this topic would be interesting for me to present to my class because Martin Luther King is a great part of history and shows how he helped stopped racism and segregation.
I conducted my research in my Social Studies class, at home and the library. In my Social Studies class, I used Internet searches to gather information on my topic, “I Have A Dream,’’ and to located sources on my topic. I had several research questions that were provided by my teacher for balanced research on, “I Have A Dream.’’ I used two primary and five secondary resources. I consulted websites, books, articles, and personal interviews when researching about Martin Luther King and his legacy and will it live it on. When brainstorming my topic I decided I wanted to illustrate my history day project through a website to shows all the features of my topic and technology is what I am best at.
I decided to present, “I Have A Dream,’’ by using a website because my personality and how creative I can decorate the website. I enjoy using new technology, in creating a website. A website was a method that allow me to develop my topic in a fun way and it allows me to bond and pick interesting things about my topic with my partner. Another reason that I chose to do a website because I can add music, videos and speeches Martin Luther King made. Adding other videos, music and attractions about the segregation will keep the attention on my project. By having to complete my project with a partner, I enjoyed the bonding time and I was able to fit my project into my schedule. I also was able to put my own words and research into the project too. My partner and I didn’t physically have to build or set up an exhibit, with a website we can access it anywhere with an Internet connection.
My topic, “I have a dream,” is considered a turning point in history because it changed the way people look at black folks and racism. The change that Martin Luther King Jr. had on the world was how they treated African American’s and segregation. The effects of before and after had a positive influence on how African Americans were treated in the future. It helped me to identify my topic as a turning point in history. Before his speech, it was racism. After the development of Martin’s speech; it revolutionalized how African Americans were going to be treated in the later years. The effect has been very successful and helpful towards many African Americans. The turning point associated with his speech is evidence by the social studies books, articles, and websites.