Researching+and+Developing+Positions+on+Current+Social+Studies+Issues

Pre-K-1
Students identify and investigate research questions related to social studies by locating, organizing, and sharing information.

a. Identify questions related to social studies. b. Follow an established procedure for locating sources appropriate to reading level. c. Locate and collect information for a specific purpose from sources including maps, photographs, charts, and graphs. d. Organize findings. e. Share information gathered using oral and visual examples.

3-5
Students identify and answer research questions related to social studies, by locating and selecting information and presenting findings.

a. Identify research questions related to social studies - seeking multiple perspectives from varied sources. b. Identify key words and concepts related to research questions, making adjustments when necessary. c. Locate and access information by using text features. d. Collect, evaluate, and organize for a specific purpose. e. Communicate findings from a variety of print and non-print sources. f. Describe plagiarism and demonstrate appropriate citation. g. Distinguish between facts and opinions/interpretations in sources.

6-8
Students research, select, and present a position on a current social studies issue by proposing and revising research questions, and locating and selecting information from multiple and varied sources.

a. Propose and revise research questions related to a current social studies issue. b. Determine the nature and extent of information needed. c. Locate and access relevant information that includes multiple perspectives from varied sources. d. Demonstrate facility with note-taking, organizing information, and creating bibliographies. e. Distinguish between primary and secondary sources. f. Evaluate and verify the credibility of the information found in print and non-print sources. g. Use additional sources to resolve contradictory information. h. Summarize and interpret information found in varied sources and/or from fieldwork, experiments, and interviews. i. Select a clear supportable position. j. Present a well-supported position, based on findings that integrate paraphrasing, quotations, and citations, to a variety of audiences. k. Use appropriate tools, methods, and sources from government, history, geography, economics, or related fields. l. Use information ethically and legally.

9-Diploma
Students research, develop, present, and defend positions on current social studies issues by developing and modifying research questions, and locating, selecting, evaluating, and synthesizing information from multiple and varied sources.

a. Develop research questions related to a current social studies issue. b. Select and apply research methods that are appropriate for the purpose of the inquiry. c. Make judgments about conflicting findings from different sources, incorporating those from sources that are valid and refuting others. d. Synthesize information from varied sources, fieldwork, experiments, and/or interviews that reflect multiple perspectives. e. Utilize media relevant to audience and purpose that extend and support oral, written, and visual communication. f. Create and present a coherent set of findings that integrate paraphrasing, quotations, and citations. g. Develop a clear well -supported position. h. Present and defend a well-supported position to a variety of audiences using a prescribed format. i. Select and use appropriate tools, methods, and sources from government, history, geography, economics, or related fields, including ethical reasoning skills. j. Access and present information ethically and legally.