Matthew

Entry #1**
 * 4-3-08


 * 1. Reflection on Previous Experiences**


 * 1) What are some previous research projects you have done?
 * The 6th grade Bio-board project on Eli Whitney, a Latin project in which I did a great amount of research on Hates

2. Based on these projects what does research mean to you?
 * Using different sources in order to find information about a specific topic

3. Describe one of your research successes or failures? Why was the experience positive or negative?
 * The Bio-Board was a big success because I did a painful, ridiculous amount of research the was crammed together into a massive four page report that included every detail about Eli Whitney's life.


 * 2 - Reflection on Webbing Process (due Tuesday, April 8)**

1. I think the webbing process helped/did not help me find a topic because: Once I began brainstorming about topics, and started looking up information I came on to other ideas for new topics. This was very helpful.

1. Topic: Private Military Companies (PMC's) 2. Why you chose it: I'm interested in learning about the idea of a privatized military. 3. What you already know about your topic: Many countries already use the services of PMC's in order to supply them with 'mercenaries'. The U.S. uses them in Iraq and other places that are considered too dangerous for some.
 * 3 - Why I Chose This Topic and What I Know About My Topic (due Tuesday, April 8)**

1. Brainstorm a list of questions related to your topic.
 * 4 - Pre-Notetaking Activity - in class (due Wednesday, April 9)**

- **How effective are PMC's and why are they used? (fat)** - Are PMC's cost efficient? - Are they a reliable source of soldiers? - Are their soldiers, or 'mercenaries', reliable? - How many countries are using them? - What is the U.S.'s view on PMC's and where/why are they being used? - Are PMC's being used in present day Iraq? And if so, why? - Are the contracted soldiers forced to obey the normal codes and laws of the military even if they are not regular U.S. military personel?

1. Describe how the pre-note taking sheet helped you find both focus for your topic and research questions to investigate. Did you find it easy or difficult to create a fat question from your ideas?
 * 5 - Reflections on Pre-Notetaking - for homework (due Wednesday, April 9)**

- It helped a lot because I was easily able to come up with a fat question that many questions could be drawn out of. This will lead to me having more ideas for research and for other things.

1. What have I learned today? I learned more about where and how PMC companies are being deployed, and what countries are using them. 2. What problems have I had? There have been no problems for me, I think everything is going smoothely. 3. How will I overcome the problem(s)? No problems to overcome. 4. What will I do next? Continue to collect and record research about my topic. Keep moving forward.
 * 6 - Search Log (due Thursday, April 10)**

1. What have I learned today? Finding sources is infuriating. 2. What problems have I had? Finding sources 3. How will I overcome the problem(s)? Looking harder 4. What will I do next? Look some more..
 * 8 - Search Log (due Monday, April 14)**

1. What have I learned today? There are over 20,000 actice contractors deployed in Iraq 2. What problems have I had? Finding more specific information on the jobs of private contractors 3. How will I overcome the problem(s)? Continue researching and looking for different sources 4. What will I do next? Look for more sources.
 * 7 - Search Log (due Friday, April 11)**