Research Module for Performing Arts in Baltimore

**Performing Arts in Baltimore**

Research Process	Directions to Students
Scenario	Imagine an out of town guest will be visiting you next month. You will want to take them "out on the town." Since Baltimore is so rich with cultural events, concerts, and other performing arts, you are sure to find many possible events to attend. Plan where you will go during a weekend stay. Be sure to include a variety of performing arts venues.
Task and Product	Find a variety of activities and concerts going on in the Baltimore area for the performing arts during the upcoming months ahead. Select a specific date that is at least a month from now for your weekend. Explore the Internet in order to select at least three events for the specific date. After you have selected your events, write a letter to your parents/guardian describing your weekend, requesting financial support, and justifiying the expenditures.
Assessments	Your grade will be based on the following: Variety of performing arts activities Cost analysis for two people to attend the events Time schedule that will allow attendance to the events on a specific weekend Friendly letter format
Question	Essential Question: Since Baltimore has a cornicopia of performing arts offerings, which ones would provide visitors a varitey of experiences? Subsidiary questions: What is considered a "performing art"? Which three do I prefer? Where and when are local concerts, plays, musicals, or festivals scheduled to be performed? Are there scheduled performances by my favorite group/person in or near Baltimore? How much will it cost for two people to attend? Will my parents consider the cost appropriate?
Gather and Sort	Gather information from a variety of sources. Sort your findings using a graphic organizer. Label your organizer with categories of performing arts so that your suggested list of activites will have variety.
Organize	Analyze your research notes to determine what performing arts offerings are available in the Baltimore area during the time period you selected. Synthesize your findings by writing the letter to your parent/guardian requesting financial support for the weekend. Justify the expense and include time, date, and place of the events. What new insights have emerged about cultural happenings in Baltimore? Which events are the most intreging and would be the greatest interest? Evaluate the effectiveness of your research for the task. Have you gathered sufficient details to plan your weekend? Are your details organized in the right categories or sub-topics to make sense when you write the letter?
Conclusion	Presentation Read your letter aloud to the class. Discuss suggestions presented by the class. Reflection How has your opinion of Baltimore's performing arts offerings changed? Summarize your thoughts and feelings in a short paragraph.

Updated: June, 2010