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Research Process
Directions to Students
Scenario
The Maryland Science Center has just announced a new exhibit to open next year! They will have a virtual time machine where people can choose an event and then go back to that time for a visit. Your class has been asked to suggest an event from the Age of Exploration for the time machine dial. There were many explorers and conquerors during that time period. Your decision won't be an easy one!
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Task and Product
To help with your class's final decision, you will be assigned to a group. Each group will choose a different explorer or conqueror and research his impact on the history of North America.
Your group is to make a presentation to persuade the class that your explorer or conqueror is the one to choose for the time machine dial. You may make your presentation as a Power Point slide show. Each group member will be responsible for creating at least two slides.
Your group's PowerPoint should include at least:
- One title slide
- Six slides that show your explorer or conqueror's major impacts on North American history
- One slide that shows why the class should vote or not vote for your explorer or conqueror
- One slide with your group's names
Your
teacher may decide to assign an alternate presentation from the
following list:
Assessments
You will be graded on your individual work.
- Power Point Slide Scoring Tool for your two slides
- The content of your slide show
You will also be graded as to your group work.
Question
Essential Question:
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Subsidiary questions to jump start your thinking!
- What was your explorer or conqueror's purpose?
- Which expeditions did he lead?
- Where did the expedition begin? Where did it go?
- What form of transportation did he use?
- What did your explorer or conqueror's expedition accomplish? Was the expedition successful? Why or why not?
- What land was discovered or conquered?
- What resources or products did your explorer or conqueror make available for export?
- How did your explorer or conqueror treat native peoples?
- Did a permanent settlement result from your explorer or conqueror's expedition? Who settled? Did the settlement last?
- What interesting facts did you find about your explorer or conqueror?
Gather and Sort
Your group must use both print and electronic resources in your explorer or conqueror research.
- Use this note-taking organizer.
- Use this bibliography worksheet.
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Gather
information from a
variety of sources. |
Organize
Use your note-taking organizer to determine the impact of your explorer or conqueror on North American history.
- Share with your group the information you have gathered about your explorer or conqueror.
- Decide if there is any information you still need to find and try to find it.
- Decide which two PowerPoint slides each member of the group will be creating.
- Create your Power Point presentation to persuade your class that your explorer or conqueror is the one to choose for the time machine dial.
Your group's PowerPoint should include at least:
- One title slide
- Four slides that show your explorer or conqueror's major impacts on North American history
- One slide that shows why the class should vote or not vote for your explorer or conqueror
Conclusion
Presentation
Share your PowerPoint presentations with your classmates by using a projector or TV with a computer or by visiting the various computers. Fill out a check sheet as you view each explorer or conqueror presentation.
Reread your Explorer or Conqueror check sheet and decide which explorer or conqueror has had the greatest impact on North American history. It is now time to vote but you may not vote for your explorer or conqueror .
Extension
After visiting each presentation, write a letter to the Maryland Science Center with your recommendation for the explorer or conqueror for the time machine dial. Be sure to justify your choice by explaining how your choice of explorer or conqueror had the biggest impact on North American History.