AES MS/HS LIBRARY | US / World History

US / World History – Part 2

AES Library Standards

1.1: Following Inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects, and make the real-world connection for using this process in own life.
1.2: Develop and refine a range of questions to frame the search for new understanding.
1.3: Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions
1.5: Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry.
1.6: Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information.
1.7: Respect copyright/intellectual property rights of creators and producers
2.1: Continue an inquiry-based research process by applying critical-thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, evaluation, organization) to information and knowledge in order to construct new understandings, draw conclusions, and create new knowledge.
2.3: Use technology and other information tools to analyze and organize information.
3.1: Conclude an inquiry-based research process by sharing new understandings and reflecting on the learning.

Self Guided Research

US History: American Revolution, The Civil War, WWI, WWII, Post War Era, Cold War, individual leaders, treaties, organizations, political parties, unions.
World History – 1900 to 2000: Empires before WWI, WWI, WWII, Nazis, Fascism, Chinese History (Revolutions and War), Post War Era (1945-50), Cold War, individual leaders, treaties, organizations, political parties, unions.

Research Packet

Sample Paper – Purdue OWL

DAY ONE: Select a Topic

Collection and Organization of your Information

1. NoodleTools: Create and share a Project

2. Guided Inquiry Model

3. Reflection Sheet Feedback Form

Evaluating sources

How to spot Fake News

Courtesy: Created by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Resources

Background/Overview Information

Britannica
(eg. Search World War I — Sub topic — Western Front or War at Sea)
Facts on File
(eg. Search “Russian Revolution”)

In-depth Information (Scholarly Journal Articles)

By the end of the day students should have decided what their broad topic is.

DAY TWO – Explore for Focus

Your job today is to decide on your area of focus.

For example: If your broad topic is “The Russian Revolution(1917)” then your focus could be on “Provisional Government” or “End of the Romanov Dynasty”.

1) NoodleTools:

Make sure you know how to create a citation card a) copy and paste b) from scratch
Make sure you know how to create a notecard.

DAY THREE – Decide on a Focus

DAY FOUR – Develop your Question and Thesis Statement

Your job today is to draft your question and thesis statement.

NoodleTools – begin to create your outline.

Research Question and Thesis Statement

The Research Question:

Poses a cause or condition that follows with an effect or result
Has an effect or result that can be measured in some way
Can be placed into a Hypothesis or Thesis Statement
Is focused – not too broad (entire books been written on this) or too narrow (you can’t find information)

Example: To what extent was Robespierre responsible for the rise of Napoleon?

Thesis statements

A thesis is the central argument that you will make about that topic. The thesis is the controlling idea of the essay; every sentence and paragraph in the essay must provide supporting statements and specific information to prove the thesis. The sooner you can state the thesis clearly and concisely, the more efficient and productive your thinking and note taking will be. Note how each thesis statement below contains a clearly focused argument. A thesis may be proved affirmatively or negatively.

Sample Social Studies Thesis Statements

Cause and Effect:
1. The failures of the Church caused war between Protestants and Catholics.
2. The work of the Humanists lead to the Renaissance
5. The desires of the Bourgeoisie led to failure of the French Revolution

Solutions:
1. The Congress of Vienna was the solution to European disorder.
2. The uniting of the Holy Roman Empire resolved civil war in Germany

Problems:
1. The problems of absolute political power of the Bourbon kings contributed to their decline.
2. Excessive taxation resulted in the decline of British rule in the Americas.

Comparisons:
1. King Louis XVI was a more effective leader than George III
2. Montesquieu was more influential than Paine in inspiring the American Revolution

Similarities:
1. The causes of the French Revolution and the Reformation are similar

Differences:
1. Hobbes and Locke differed greatly in their views on effective rule

Relationships:
1. It is evident that the work of Pieter Breughel’s father influenced his works.