8th Grade
  • Project
  • 1 week

Messi by the Numbers: Proving the GOAT

Marco C

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to develop your argumentative writing skills by using data and statistics to support your claim that Messi is the best soccer player. You will engage in research to gather evidence, analyze his career achievements, and construct a compelling argument. This project encourages you to critically evaluate information and reflect on how your understanding of Messi's contributions to soccer evolves through data analysis.

Learning goals

Explore how to effectively use data and statistics to construct a compelling argument. Develop research skills by analyzing Messi's career statistics, such as goals, assists, and awards. Enhance critical thinking by evaluating how these data points support the claim of Messi being the best soccer player. Improve writing skills through the creation of a well-structured argumentative essay. Foster self-reflection by assessing how your understanding of Messi's achievements has evolved through the project.
Standards
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.1: Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.8.7: Conduct short research projects to answer a question, drawing on several sources and generating additional related, focused questions for further research and investigation.
  • Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.8.1: Cite the textual evidence that most strongly supports an analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Products

Create a compelling argumentative essay that uses data and statistics to support the claim that Messi is the best soccer player. Develop a visual presentation, such as a poster or infographic, showcasing key statistics and achievements from Messi's career. Conclude the project with a reflective journal entry, analyzing how your understanding of Messi's accomplishments has evolved, focusing on how data influenced your argument.

Launch

Begin by watching a highlight reel of Messi's most memorable moments on the field to spark excitement and curiosity. Follow this by brainstorming in small groups about what makes a soccer player "the best," and discuss initial thoughts on how Messi fits these criteria. Conclude the launch by introducing the essential question and outlining the project goals, encouraging you to think about how data and statistics can be used to support your claims.

Exhibition

Organize a "Soccer Stats Showcase" where you present your argument using visual aids like charts and graphs that highlight Messi's career statistics. Invite classmates to engage with your presentation and provide feedback on the strength of your data-driven argument. Consider creating a digital presentation or poster to display your findings and insights. Use this opportunity to articulate how your understanding of Messi's achievements has grown and how data played a crucial role in shaping your argument.