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The Global Problems Research Project:
An Inquiry-based Activity
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The Global Problems Assignment
This assignment is based on the William
and Mary Research model. Your group will conduct primary (sources
such as interviews, examination of documents, maps, etc.) and secondary
(print and online sources) research on a topic of your choosing.
Your goal is to become an "expert" on a sub-topic of this topic and then
to share your findings with your classmates in a format of your choosing.
This will be an approximately six-week investigation.
Task #1: Clearly identify the problem or issue
you will investigate.
Before you decide if a problem is a "global" issue, take a look at
these statistics about the world's population:
You may also choose to select one of the following broad topics:
| Sexism/Gender Issues |
War in Central Europe |
Human rights violations |
| Pollution |
Poverty |
Immigration |
| Child labor |
Y2K |
Peer Pressure |
| Drug Abuse |
Overpopulation |
Animal Extinction |
| Race/Hate Crimes |
Religious Conflicts |
Illiteracy |
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Now identify the problem or issue you will investigate.
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Complete the
Developing an Issue chart. Turn this in
as evidence of Task #1.
[Start keeping a research journal (homework journal) to record and reflect
on questions, ideas, information.]
Task #2: Conduct Background Research.
Read about the issue and identify several points of view or arguments
from a variety of sources. Start with the Library's News
and Media site. Search a few major newspapers for current
articles about your topic. Next use a Search Engine to get a quick
overview of some issues related to the broad topic you have selected.
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Record your preliminary findings in your research
journal as evidence of Task #2.
Task #3: Analyze the problem
and develop questions
that can be answered by gathering evidence (information and data).
Brainstorm a list of at least twenty (20) questions and a possible source
for finding answers for each. (Turn in this
list as evidence of Task #3.)
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What are the causes of the problems?
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What is the potential impact?
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Who would be affected and by how much?
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What solutions have been attempted and what were the results?
Task #4: Gather evidence,
using a variety of resources.
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Use the Pathfinder below.
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Visit the library (with class.)
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List all possible sources (print, media/technology, primary) on a preliminary
Works
Cited Page. Turn this in as evidence of Task
#4.
Task #5: Gather and organize evidence.
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Use appropriate technology, such as Microsoft Excel, to represent your
data (facts and/or summaries) and transform it into a chart or graph for
interpretation and analysis by your audience.
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Create a Powerpoint slideshow (see sample here)
of 8 or more slides displaying 8 pieces of evidence from four (4) different
sources. On each slide, present the fact and name the source.
For examples of types of evidence, click here.
Present
this slideshow to the class as evidence of Task #5.
Task #6: Draw conclusions and
make inferences.
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What do the data mean? How can you interpret what you have found?
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What conclusions and inferences can be drawn from your results?
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How will these conclusions affect the major stakeholders?
[Refine your thesis
statement.]
Task #7: Decide what you
think should be done about the problem.
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What are the implications for the future and the consquences of your
recommendations?
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What obstacles do you anticipate?
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What new questions have you developed as a result of your research?
Task #8: Decide on the
best form for communicating your results and create your final product.
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Who is your audience?
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What medium (or combination) would best communicate your results? (for
example: letters, speech, mutimedia, publication, web page, essay)
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How can you present an abstract of your results to the class?
[Write draft of plan for presentation; revise/edit/publish/create
presentation and abstract.]
Task #9: Reflect on the strategies
you used to plan, develop and present your project.
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Evaluate your process and product.
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What improvements would you plan for next time?
Using a Pathfinder
to Fine-tune the Research Process
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| Some critics say that getting
information from the Internet is like getting a drink of water from a fire
hydrant.
The trick is to learn how to control the
flow of information and to quench your thirst for knowledge without drowning.
The following Pathfinder
will help. Follow its steps to learn how to do effective key word searches,
evaluate web sites and locate top-quality resources you need. |
Before taking your first step, review the three-step target model:
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Before doing a key-word Web search, begin
at the center, where you can get a grasp on the issue quickly. Then move
to the outer edges of the Web to extend and refine your knowledge of the
issue.
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| One |
Check print and electronic resources available through your
media
center |
| Two |
Search specialized online services. |
| Three |
Follow pre-selected Internet links. |
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Media Center Resources
Don't forget resources other than the Internet
that might be found in the Media
Center.
For example: the Library Catalog, CD-ROMs,
reference books, newspapers, magazines and videos.
Return to the Assignment
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Internet Links
Below are a number of web sites that may help with your search.
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Return to the Assignment
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Search Engines
Search engines are powerful tools IF you you have the skills to use
them properly.
Keep from drowning in a sea of muddled or misleading information.
Here's some help:
Return to the Assignment
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Citing Electronic Sources
It is very important to cite your sources.
Not citing sources is PLAGIARISM and could result in disciplinary action
from SBHS. For some assistance in citing
sources, please consult the following sources.
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Citing
Sources. an interactive citation creator! With sample citations
for various different types of sources as well as a form you can use to
create your own citations.
Return to the Assignment
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Checklist for Pathfinder Research
Project
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Task
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Task 1: Developing an Issue worksheet |
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Task 2: Research Journal (Homework) |
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Task 3: Questions Brainstorm |
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Task 4: Preliminary Works Cited
Page |
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Web Source Evaluation Page(s)
for each web source consulted |
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Task 5: Evidence Powerpoint Presentation |
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Task 6: Report Your Findings |
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Task 7: Decide what should be
done |
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Task 8: Submit presentation abstract
(summary) for approval. |
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Task 9: Reflect on the process
of conducting research for this project. |
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Task 10: Report
your findings to the class. |
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