Little Big History

The Research Paper!

Essay

• individual opinion
• doesn't require compehensive research
• generally short
• your opinion matters

Research Paper

• presents research of others
• involves comprehensive research
• longer
• your opinion doesn't matter

What is the LBH?

The Little Big History

• the LBH tells the story of an object, process, institution, or activity
• across three thresholds
• incorporating the perspectives of three disciplines, including history

Telling an Effective Story

The best stories are...

• memorable
• intriguing
• personalized
• simple
• surprising

Nicholas Was...







Nicholas Was...

older than sin, and his beard could grow no whiter. He wanted to die.


The dwarfish natives of the Arctic caverns did not speak his language, but conversed in their own, twittering tongue, conducted incomprehensible rituals, when they were not actually working in the factories.

Once every year they forced him, sobbing and protesting, into Endless Night. During the journey he would stand near every child in the world, leave one of the dwarves' invisible gifts by its bedside. The children slept, frozen into time.
He envied Prometheus and Loki, Sisyphus and Judas. His punishment was harsher.

Ho.
Ho.
Ho.

Crossing Thresholds

There are 8 thresholds

Eight Threholds

• Big Bang
• Stars Light Up
• New Chemical Elements
• Earth and Solar System

Eight Thresholds

• Life
• Collective Learning
• Agriculture
• Modern Revolution

Your project must include 3 thresholds

Academic Disciplines

There are many approaches to knowledge...

• geology
• cosmology
• biology
• chemistry
• history
• physics
• social work

different approaches...

Process

LBH Process

• narrow down some potential topics
• choose a project format to demonstrate learning
• start researching
• start creating

A history of anything? Almost!

• gold
• paper
• cold
• basketball
• water
• potato chips
• lip gloss

Why choice?

• All the formats require a student to demonstrate deep learning.
• Choice allows students to demonstrate skills that are outside the course content.
• As an example, a photographer might want to use photographs.
• A potential university student might want to practice writing a research paper.

Options

• research paper
• photo essay
• short film
• artwork
• PowerPoint

LBH Tips from Professor Bob Bain

Top Tips

• work backwards through time
• look for answers to your questions
• reflect on your research, talk to teachers and others who can help you
• tell a good story
• have fun