Process
Step One: Questioning
As you look at the the task list as many questions as you can that will help you to understand and investigate this topic. Think about. . .
- What do you already know about the country/culture?
- What do you need to know
- *to begin your investigation?
- *in order to complete your assigned tasks?
Begin this process of thinking. Answer some of these questions below and then add more questions to answer.
- How does the geography of the country affect the cuisine?
- Which climactic and geographic features have the greatest influence on the customs of the country?
- How do the people greet one another in the country?
Planning
After you have generated your questions, determine which resources you will use to help answer your questions. Consider the scope of the resources you have available and decide what resources will best answer each question.
Remember to record the resources in your learner log as you locate them so you can return to them if necessary.
Using a graphic organizer will help to keep your information organized.
Step Two: Gathering, Sorting and Sifting
In this step you will be using a variety of library resources to find answers to your questions.
Tip: if you did not formulate questions in Step 1, go back and do it now. A topic is not a question.
Gather answers from a variety of sources. Remember to cite your references. Check the MLA guidelines and examples for citing resources.
Sort your research findings by using note cards and graphic organizer.
Sift through the resources, eliminating those that do not answer your question.
Step Three: Synthesis and Evaluation
Check and assess your progress. You will need to organize and evaluate your research findings. Work with your group to figure out how much you have learned. What have you learned so far? What more do you need?
Now that you have gathered information, stop and evaluate your findings
- Have you found sufficient details to answer all your questions?
- Can you throw away material which is not useful or does not answer your questions?
- Do you need to rearrange the information in different categories?
- Can you condense or combine the information?
- Do you need to develop new questions to adequately cover your topic?
What significance do you think . . .
- geography and climate play in the evolution of customs?
- climate plays in how people dress and what foods are prepared?
- traditions and history have for the modern society of your country?
Synthesis is the act of pulling your research and ideas together to form a new whole. Recall your task and review the rubric for your presentation
- Do you have enough food options to plan a nutritionally balanced and aesthetically pleasing state dinner?
- Which climactic and geographic factors influenced menu items and customs?
- How will the tables and room be decorated?
As you compare the information on your graphic organizer and the rubric, make sure you have met all of the requirements and decide how you will present your information using the power point program.
Step Four: Presentation
Are your ready to present your findings to the President and other staff?
Recall your questions and tasks.
Review all of your materials to prepare your final and presentation. It should reflect your efforts during the past steps in the research process.
- Questioning and Planning
- Gathering, Sorting and Sifting
- Synthesis and Evaluation
Gather all of your materials, plan your menu, plan for decorations and table setting, and compile your briefing for the President describing the significance of your choices.
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