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Research Process
Directions to Students
Scenario
Imagine that the weather in Maryland has been really great for the past several weeks! You're looking forward to spending some time outdoors, possibly on the Bay, enjoying Maryland's ecosystem and all that it has to offer.
But wait... Hasn't there been something "amiss" with the Chesapeake Bay during the last few summers? Has the problem been cleared up? What was the problem anyway?
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Much has happened since the summer of 1997, and many studies have been undertaken on the problem of Pfiesteria piscicida (pronounced fee-STEER-ee-uh pis-kuh-SEED-uh). Scientists do not always agree on the causes of the problem, and government and industry do not always agree on possible solutions due to the potential impact on the economy of the state. As you approach your investigation, it is important to critically consider the issues involved.
Task and Product
You have recently been asked to represent the students
of Maryland and to address the Governor about the problem of
Pfiesteria, suggesting a possible plan of action.
You will need to come up with an action plan that shows that
you are informed about this topic. It will need to include at
least four recommendations based on the facts that you
gather. You will ask the Governor to adopt your recommended plan
of action.
Your solution will need to consider the following:
- What is Pfiesteria piscicida?
- How does Pfiesteria affect fish?
- How does Pfiesteria affect human beings?
- How does Pfiesteria impact the seafood,fishing, poultry, and tourism industries in Maryland?
- Which causes of the Pfiesteria problem are more easily solved? Which are more difficult?
- What potential impact would the various solutions have on people and industry?
- What attempts, if any, have been made by governmental agencies to solve the problem?
- How can citizens address this problem?
After completing your research, you will use your findings to write a letter to the Governor of the State of Maryland. In addition, your teacher may ask you to create one of these products to help you to disseminate your information.
- pamphlet
- poster
- editorial, letter to the editor, or article for school or community newspaper
- public service announcement (PSA) for television or radio
Assessments
You will be graded on your daily work on the research process as well as on your final product(s).
- Daily (Formative)
- Research Process - Summative (Student/Self)
- Research
Process - Summative (Teacher)
- Letter to Inform the Governor (Writing to Inform rubric)
- Pamphlet
- Poster
- Newspaper Article
- Newspaper Editorial or Letter to the Editor
- Public Service Announcement
(Television or Radio)
Question
Essential Question:
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Subsidiary questions
- What is Pfiesteria piscicida?
- What is the current situation with Pfiesteria piscicida in Maryland waterways?
- How does Pfiesteria affect fish?
- How does Pfiesteria affect human beings?
- How does Pfiesteria impact the seafood,fishing, poultry, and tourism industries in Maryland?
- Which causes of the Pfiesteria problem are more easily solved? Which are more difficult?
- What potential impact would the various solutions have on people and industry?
- What attempts, if any, have been made by governmental agencies to solve the problem?
- How can citizens address this problem?
A graphic organizer may be helpful to brainstorm additional questions and/or to plan and organize your research.
Gather and Sort
Gather information from a variety of sources.
Sort your findings using a graphic organizer when taking notes.
Remember to cite your references. Check the MLA guidelines and examples for citing resources; however, your school may use a different format.
To avoid risking plagiarism,
properly paraphrase and quote in your writing.
Organize
Analyze your research notes to determine ....
Synthesize your findings by using this chart to organize your information.
- What new insights have emerged about your topics?
- Which facts are the most compelling and would have the greatest impact on your audience?
Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task.
- Have you gathered sufficient details about your topic?
- Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense for your audience?
Conclusion
Presentation
Use your graphic organizer and chart prepare your letter to the Governor. Remember to include four recommendations in your letter. Check your rubric for the letter to make sure you have done a thorough job.
Create the product assigned by your teacher. Use your graphic organizer and chart to help you prepare your product. Check the rubric for your product to ensure you meet all requirements.
- pamphlet
- poster
- newspaper article
- newspaper editorial or letter to the editor
- Public Service Announcement (television or radio)
Reflection
Now that you have an understanding of pfiesteria piscicida how will you take action? Prepare a Brief Constructed Response detailing your personal action plan for solving the problem. Scoring Tool for Brief Constructed Response
As part of your I-Search, think about your research process, by compleing this reflection.