Research Projects-The Seven Regions of India

Objectives

• Children will use library skills to research topics assigned to them.
• Children will work cooperatively.
• Children will synthesize information about India into a oral presentation and written report.
• Children will communicate their finding to the class using orallanguage skills and visual aids.

Materials

• poster board- one for each group
• Art supplies
• research materials
• Names of regions; Gujrat, Maharashtra, Kashmir, Rajasthan, Kerela, Bengal, Punjab
• List of required topics they must cover
  • geographical region (features)
  • agriculture
  • language
  • religion
  • dress
  • music/dance
  • entertainment
  • food
  • special characteristics
• Worksheets to guide their research (see attached)

Procedures

1. Anticipatory Set: When immigrants come to this country they do not just magically lose their culture. Because of this, it is important to learn about the culture from which they come. We are going to learn about India and look at the culture there. This will give us some perspective into the world of Indian immigrants.
2. India is a vast country which contains a variety of people and cultures. We must be careful not to form stereotypes through our research. We must realize that some of the information we find will be generalized.
3. Tell the children that they will be working in groups (there are seven groups of tables in the room. Prior to this assignment, I will place the childrensŐ desks so there are heterogeneous ability groups)
4. Brainstorm with children the information they think will be important to research. (add categories in materials section) Record information on the board, overhead, or chart paper.
5. Discuss with children ways and sources to find information in library materials.
6. Assign groups one of seven regions of India. Each groups will be given forms to guide their research. This will help them form subgroups.
7. Groups will work collectively to make a sign that says the name of their region. (as they learn more about it, they can add to their sign if they want)
8. Review with children how to keep a list of sources (form can be given if necessary). Also review how to paraphrase and find important information out of a source.
9. Children will research their region throughout the unit. Questions on forms will guide them. They will be given time in the school library and there will also be a classroom collection of research materials.
10. They will write up their section of the report and work collectively to make a presentation for the class. (presentations will take place at cultural fair)

Evaluation

Obj. #1: I will observe the children are they work on their projects and their final projects to assess their ability to gather information from sources.

• Did they keep a list of sources?
• Did they paraphrase properly?
• Did they gather correct and important information?

Obj. #2: I will observe the children as they work.

• Did the children fairly assign work?
• Are the children assisting each other in their research?
• Are they working together to make a complete report and presentation?

Obj. #3 and #4: I will look at each final project respectively.

• Did they include the necessary information?
• Are the projects cohesive and informative?
• Do the projects catch the audiences attention?

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