Teacher Resources for
Journey to Japan

TEACHER TIPS
and TOOLS

How to implement engaging research, including mini-skills lessons, student resource sheets, and learning objects.

TIME FRAME

  • 2-3 periods for research
  • 1-2 periods for creation of product
  • 1-2 periods for presentations

DIFFERENTIATION

  • Students have the option of using either the CultureGrams Secondary Edition or CultureGrams Kids Edition online databases.
  • AVID STRATEGIES: Research Organizer provided, including Cornell notes organizer.

IMPLEMENTATION

  • It is recommended that teachers and library media specialists preview this Research model, and all associated links, prior to implementing with students.
  • While this research model is designed for independent learning, students will need some teacher/library media specialist direction for:
    • Topic selection approval
    • Research product format selection approval
    • Revision/approval of student-generated subsidiary questions
    • Note-taking: Give student instructions for either writing on a hard copy of the research organizer, or word-processing notes on the document and saving to a specified location.
    • Information Literacy Skills for Using Resources Effectively: Direct students to appropriate reference sheets or learning objects, or provide direct instruction, according to your students' needs.


Grade Level/Content Area/Unit
Grade 6 Social Studies: Regional Study - East Asia II
Focus:
Enduring Understanding/
Essential Question
How do traditional values, beliefs, and institutions play a role in today's Japanese society?

Voluntary State Curriculum:
Content Standards/
Core Learning Goals
for Grade 6 Social Studies
(MSDE)

Standard 5.0: Peoples of the Nation and World
Indicator 1: Describe characteristics that are used to organize people into cultures.
Objective a: Describe and compare the elements of culture, such as art, music, religion, government, social structure, education, values, beliefs, and customs from civilizations in world history.
Voluntary State Curriculum:
Content Standards/
Core Learning Goals
for Library Media
(MSDE)
1: Students will demonstrate the ability to locate and use information resources, equipment and other technologies effectively and efficiently.
2: Students will demonstrate the ability to review, evaluate and select media.
3: Students will demonstrate the ability to learn and apply reading, research and critical thinking skills to organize, and synthesize information in order to communicate new understanding.
5: Students will demonstrate the ability to retrieve and manage information.
7: Students will demonstrate the ability to create materials in various formats.
8: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply ethical behavior to the use of information.

National Content Standards for Social Studies
(NCSS)

 1: Culture and Cultural Diversity
Students explore and ask questions about the nature of culture and specific aspects of culture, such as language and beliefs, and the influence of those aspects on human behavior.
National Information Literacy Standards for Student Learning
(AASL)
1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively.
2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently.
3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively.
6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information
8: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology.
National Technology Education Standards for Students
(ISTE)
4: Technology communications tools
Students use a variety of media and formats to communicate information and ideas effectively to multiple audiences.
5: Technology research tools
Students use technology to locate, evaluate, and collect information from a variety of sources.
6: Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools
Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions.
enGauge 21st Century Skills
(NCREL)
 Visual Literacy: The ability to interpret, use, appreciate, and create images and video using both conventional and 21st century media in ways that advance thinking, decision making, communication, and learning.
Information Literacy: The ability to evaluate information across a range of media; recognize when information is needed; locate, synthesize, and use information effectively; and accomplish these functions using technology, communication networks, and electronic resources.
Multicultural Literacy: The ability to understand and appreciate the similarities and differences in the customs, values, and beliefs of one's own culture and the cultures of others.
Global Awareness: The recognition and understanding of interrelationships among international organizations, nation-states, public and private economic entities, sociocultural groups, and individuals across the globe.
Last update: July 2005
Created by: Kelly Ray, Library Media Specialist
Baltimore County Public Schools

BCPS Research Model, Copyright 2005, Baltimore County Public Schools, MD, all rights reserved.
This Research Model may be used for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions, and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. The Baltimore County Public schools does not guarantee the accuracy or quality of information located on telecommunications networks. We have made every reasonable attempt to ensure that our school system's web pages are educationally sound and do not contain links to any questionable materials or anything that can be deemed in violation of the BCPS Telecommunications Policy. The linked sites are not under the control of the Baltimore County Public Schools; therefore, BCPS is not responsible for the contents of any linked site, links within the site, or any revisions to such sites. Images used are by subscription to clipart.com, JupiterImages.com or public domain unless otherwise noted. Links from BCPS Copyright © 2005 Baltimore County Public Schools, Towson, MD 21204, all rights reserved. Documents and related graphics may be duplicated for educational, non-profit school use only. All other uses, transmissions and duplications are prohibited unless permission is granted expressly. Contact Margaret-Ann Howie, Esq. 410-887-2646