* How does the geography of the county affect the cuisine?
* Which climatic features have the greatest influence on the customs of the country and the foods that grow there?
* How do people greet one another in this country?
* What is the predominate religion and does it put dietary restrictions on the people?
* Has the country ever been invaded? Have there been any
wars fought there and how would that affect the food eaten there?
As you look at the task above, list as many questions as you can that will help you to understand and investigate the topic.
THINK ABOUT ...
What do you already know about the country?
What do you need to know
* to begin the investigation?
* in order to complete your assigned task?
After you have generated your questions, determine which resources you will use to help answer your questions. Consider the scope of the resources you have available and decide what resources will best answer each question.
Remember to record the resources as you locate them so you can return to them if necessary.
Using a graphic organizer may help to keep your information organized.
In this step you will be using a variety of resources to find answers to your questions.
TIP: If you did not formulate questions in Step 1, go back and do it now. A topic is not a question.
Gather answers from a variety of sources and remember to cite your references. Check the MLA guidelines for citing recources.
Sift through the resources, eliminating those that do not answer your questions.
Check the Media Center for any CD-ROMS
World Atlas
World Book
Electric Library
Food Sites
The Global Gastronomer
Edibilia
Cultural Nutrition
Global Gourmet
Cuisines of the World
Bites of Asia
Oriental Food
Country Sites
Library of Congress, Country Studies
The Lonely Planet
Excite Travel Page
Trip.com
Check Point! It is time to assess your progress. Work with your group to figure out how much you have learned.
Now that you have gathered information, stop to evaluate your findings.
* Have you found sufficient details to answer all your questions?
* Can you throw away material which is not useful or does not answer your questions?
* Do you need to rearrange the information in different categories?
* Can you condense or combine the information?
* Do you need to develop new questions to adequately cover your topic?
What significance do you think...
*geography and climate play in the evolution of customs?
*climate plays in what foods are prepared?
*traditions and history have for the modern society of your county?
You are now ready to locate additional information to answer your questions and to further develop your topic. Search for answers to any new questions generated in step 3. You may use the search tool at right, or use the search engine on the MCPS Home Page.
Synthesis is the act of pulling your research and ideas together to form a new whole. Recall your task and review the rubric for your presentation.
* Do you have enough food options to plan a nutrionally balanced meal?
* Which climactic and geographic factors influenced menu items and customs?
* What has happended in the history of this country that has influenced menu items?
Use the following chart to help organize your presentation.
Are you ready to prepare your product?
Recall your Questions, Task and Product.
Gather all of your materials, plan your menu, and create your multimedia presentation so you can brief the President and his staff.
After all the presentations have been completed, fill out your application for transfer.
The Task The Product The Research Process & Questions
