Informational
Essay
Session 2: Primary Research
Teaching Points
• Researchers conduct primary research to gain insight into
other people’s experiences with the topic.
• They survey sub-topics, and read quickly to abandon
irrelevant sub-topics.
• They recognize the stances and positions taken in
readings and research.
Session 2: Primary
Research
Active Engagement
What historical or current events and/or individuals are
interesting to you? Why?
Think about and consider:
• Different time periods of interest to you
• Individuals you have heard about in the news and would like to
know more about how they are impacting the world, your
community, you, or your future,
• Individuals you have read about and would like to learn more
about
• We will chart your preferences to use later.
Session 2: Primary
Research
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Post-Unit Assessment Task
What is the power of an individual in a democratic society?
What is at stake if Americans forget our American ideals and
our American character?
After reading seminal US documents and related readings, do
shared research to examine one aspect of these complex
questions. Design, plan, write, and develop a digital product
that identifies the impact and power of an individual in a
democratic society.
What conclusions can you draw?
Support your discussion with evidence from secondary,
primary research, and/or personal experience.
Session 2: Primary
Research
Independent Practice
Identify two different events that resulted in social change that seem
interesting to you.
Using available resources (print and digital), become acquainted with
the event(s) and the individual(s) engaged in the event.
Survey the events, spending 10-15 minutes on each event to gather
basic information. In your notebook take brief notes:
• Who, What, Where, When, Why, How.
• List the major causes of the event
• State the impact of the actions of an individual or group of
individuals.
• Identify important individuals and state why this event/individual is
interesting or not interesting to you.
• Print or summarize an article/URL that serves as an excellent
resource for anyone interested in this topic.
Session 2: Primary
Research
Exit Slip
What kinds of research projects have you done prior to this
project? What do you like about research? What do you find
challenging?
Session 2: Identify &
Research