Baltimore County Public Schools
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Concept
Unit Title
Theme Statement/
Enduring
Understandings
Essential
Question(s)
Suggested
Timeframe
Staff Teaching
Responsibility
Encounter The Task
General Notes:
Teacher Note: This entire course will provide many of the lesson materials through the BCPS
independent research website. Students will need access to this website on a daily basis. See this
website at: http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/steps.html. This unit will focus on step
one of the process. The majority of the material needed for this unit can be found at:
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/encounter.html.
Objective:
Standards
Alignment
Lesson: 1
“What is Research?”
Inquiry is a framework for learning.
Research is a process.
What is Research?
Two periods, 45 minutes each or one 90 minute period
Media Specialist/ Teacher
The teacher should keep in mind that this lesson includes suggestions for meeting the stated
objectives. The teacher should adjust the lesson based on the needs of his or her students;
however, all objectives should be covered.
Students will reflect on their previous research experiences in order to determine the
meaning of “research”.
AASL Standards for the 21st Century Learner
1.1.1 Follow an inquiry- based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the
real- world connection for using this process in own life.
1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.
1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media,
digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.
1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
MD Technology Literacy Standards for Students
Formative
Assessment
Digital Content,
Tools, and
Resources
6.A.1.a. Use technology to help identify the type of problem and the data needed to answer that
type of problem.
6.A.2.a. Identify possible technology tools to gather data.
 Student groups must create a definition of “research”. Share definitions with class and have
the class vote to select the most accurate definition.
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Before Direct
Instruction
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Unit 1 Lesson 1
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/steps.html
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/images/Independent%20Research%20Course.
ppt
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/images/reflection_journal_1.doc
Review materials at: http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/steps.html, under “what is
research”.
Materials:
o Student computers
o Easel pad
1
Summer 2013
Baltimore County Public Schools
Suggested Activity
Sequence:
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Differentiation
Suggestions
Unit 1 Lesson 1
Department of Curriculum and Instruction
Drill – Students will respond in writing to the following question based on prior knowledge:
What is research?
o Debrief drill in a class discussion. Create a class list of definitions for “research”.
Direct students to the following website:
http://www.bcps.org/offices/lis/researchcourse/steps.html. Students should click on the link
for Step 1: Encounter the task.
o Have students read through the section on “what is research?”
o Students will download and complete the questions 1-4 of the reflective journal from
the website independently.
Place students in small groups. On easel paper, have groups of students share their
experiences from the reflective journal and create a group list of responses.
Formative Assessment - Groups must create a definition of “research”. Share definitions
with class and have the class vote to select the most accurate definition.
From the website, have the students open the PowerPoint, “Guide to independent research”
and record the class definition of research.
Components
Content
Process
Product
Curriculum Resources
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Brief Description
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1
Summer 2013