The focusing question for this lesson is: How do we develop good questions to guide our research? In previous lessons, we talked about doing research and taking notes on what we read. Now we need to talk about how to ask good questions about the issues so we can take notes effectively.
I want you all to meet Socrates. He was a very smart man who lived in ancient Athens. He believed in the importance of asking questions to gain knowledge. He would walk up to people in Athens’ marketplace and ask them questions about topics that they thought they knew very well. Through his questions he showed people what they really knew and what they only thought they knew.
1. Do you notice any similarities in the answers Socrates gives?
Sample Response: He always answers questions with questions.
Yes, as you can see, Socrates likes to answer questions with questions. But the questions he offers do give us insight. He knows all about our school project and can answer your questions about research and more.
Socrates has given us a lot to think about. Let’s develop some more questions as a class about the Parthenon issue.
Take a look at the questions Socrates gave us to answer.
1. What are some other questions we can use to guide our research on the Parthenon?
Sample Response: Why are some people against building it? Do rich people want to build it?
Now let’s create some questions to help those of you who are studying the war against Sparta to conduct your research.
1. What are some questions we can use to guide our research on the war against Sparta?
Sample Response: Why do people want to go to war against Sparta? Why do people think war is a bad idea? How will the government play a role in this decision?
2. Will going to war affect the everyday life of people in Athens?
Sample Response: Yes, so maybe we can research – How will war against Sparta affect the everyday lives of the Athenians?
Look at the last question Socrates gave us, “How will building this temple change the geography of Athens?”
1. Will war change the geography of Athens?
Sample Response: War will not change the geography, but it might change the boundaries of city-states within Greece. Geography is important in a war. Athens has a Navy and Sparta does not. We can ask – “How does geography affect the war against Sparta?"
It is time to continue our research. As you read Helena’s perspective, note how her gender affects the way she thinks about the issues. Also, think about her class – if she is rich or poor – and whether or not she can vote. Keep your research questions in mind as you read the opinion of Helena.
Take notes on important information about the war and the Parthenon. Remember to label and number your index cards.
Let’s take a look at the research questions you all developed earlier. This group did an excellent job developing research questions.
How do we develop good questions to guide our research?
Sample Response: Sometimes you can try answering questions by posing more questions. Those questions should help you narrow down what it is you hope to find in your research.
How will these questions help us to do our research?
Sample Response: These questions will help us to focus our ideas so when it comes time to write our essays we will be more organized and have a clear idea about what it is we want to write.
Would someone like to share his or her research questions with the class?
What did you learn from Helena about her perspective on the Parthenon?
What did you learn from Helena about her perspective on the war against Sparta?
For homework, please research Spiro's perspective. Spiro was a farmer who was against both building the Parthenon and going to war against Sparta. Read about his life and take notes on index cards on details that relate to your issue. Remember to take your glossary home with you.
