Basic 8 · Social Studies · Term Project
Term Project in Social Studies
In this topic you will apply the term's learning through a community-based project, using investigation, discussion, presentation and civic action.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Investigate a community issue
- Plan and carry out a civic action
- Present and evaluate your project
What you already know
- All topics covered in Social Studies this term
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
This project turns your classroom learning into action. You will study a real issue in your community and suggest what can be done about it.
1. Project Options
| Option | Investigation | Topic link |
|---|---|---|
| water | test how clean a local stream is by observing it | water pollution |
| energy | audit energy use at school | conserving energy |
| family | interview elders on family changes | family systems |
| service | map volunteer groups in your area | volunteerism |
| rights | survey how much learners know about rights | human rights |
| community | study how decisions are made in your town | decision-making |
2. Planning the Investigation
- Choose an issue and write your main question.
- List what you need to know and who can tell you.
- Prepare interview or survey questions.
- Share out the tasks.
- Agree on dates.
- Seek permission from your teacher and those you plan to meet.
3. Collecting Information
Use different methods. Observation means looking carefully and recording what you see, such as the number of dustbins in a market. An interview means asking one person detailed questions. A questionnaire is a list of written questions answered by many people. Secondary sources include reports, newspapers and websites. Always write down your sources. Using more than one method gives a clearer picture, because each one has strengths and weaknesses.
4. Asking Good Questions
Open questions begin with words like how and why, and they give detailed answers. Closed questions have short answers, such as yes or no, and they are easy to count. A good questionnaire uses both. Avoid leading questions, such as "Don't you think the assembly has failed?" A fair question is "How would you describe the assembly's work on sanitation?" Try out your questions on a friend first to see if they are clear.
5. Research Ethics
Explain the purpose of your research before you begin. People may refuse to answer, and you must respect that. Keep private information confidential. When working in the community, always go in groups, keep to safe places and inform an adult. Never enter a mine pit, river or dangerous site in order to collect information. Honest reporting matters too, so do not make up answers to fill your table.
New words
- questionnaire
- A list of written questions.
- observation
- Watching and recording carefully.
- open question
- A question needing a detailed answer.
- confidential
- Kept private.
Summary
- Choose a question linked to the term's topics.
- Use observation, interviews and questionnaires.
- Ask fair questions and act ethically and safely.
Class activity: Survey Design
- Write a questionnaire of six questions.
- Try it on a friend.
- Improve any unclear questions.
You need: Map of Ghana, Local newspaper, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian community
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A list of written questions is a…
- A. questionnaire
- B. map
- C. bye-law
- D. budget
Show answer
Answer: questionnaireSurvey.2. Which is an open question?
- A. Why do people litter?
- B. Do you litter?
- C. Is it hot?
- D. Are you sixteen?
Show answer
Answer: Why do people litter?Open.3. You should keep private information confidential.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueEthics.4. Watching and recording carefully is ______.
Show answer
Answer: observationMethod.5. Name three methods of collecting information.
Show answer
Answer: Observation, interviews and questionnaires.Any three.6. Why are leading questions a problem?
Show answer
Answer: They push people towards an answer, so the results are unfair and unreliable.Fairness.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Environment
- Sub-strand
- Term Project
Introduction
Knowledge becomes powerful when it leads to action. Now you will share your findings and do something about them.
1. Analysing Findings
Survey result
A group asks 40 learners whether they know the name of CHRAJ. 12 say yes and 28 say no. What percentage know CHRAJ?
- 12 ÷ 40 = 0.3.
- 0.3 × 100%.
Answer: 30%
Numbers like this show the size of a problem. Put your results in tables and charts. Look for patterns and ask why they exist. Your findings then guide the action you choose. In the example above, a low score could lead to a school assembly talk about rights.
2. Choosing a Civic Action
| Finding | Action |
|---|---|
| littered stream | clean-up with the assembly member |
| wasted electricity | energy monitors in each class |
| little knowledge of rights | talk at assembly and posters |
| elderly people need help | visits by school volunteers |
| decisions leave out youth | letter asking for a youth voice |
3. Presenting Your Project
- State your question and why it matters.
- Explain how you collected information.
- Show your main findings.
- Describe the action you took or recommend.
- Say what you learned.
- Answer questions politely.
You can present through a talk, a drama, a poster or a short report. Consider inviting the head teacher, an assembly member or parents. Thank everyone who helped you.
4. Evaluating the Project
| Criterion | Question |
|---|---|
| question | Was the issue important and clear? |
| evidence | Was information accurate and from several sources? |
| action | Was the action realistic and useful? |
| teamwork | Did all members take part? |
| presentation | Was it clear and respectful? |
5. Keeping It Going
Civic action works best if it lasts. A clean-up can become a monthly habit. An energy monitor system can continue next term. Ask who will carry on the work and how. Finally, reflect on what you learned about your community and about yourself. You have seen that one group of young people can make a difference. Carry this confidence with you into next term and beyond.
New words
- findings
- What an investigation discovers.
- recommendation
- A suggestion for action.
- evaluate
- To judge the value of something.
- sustain
- To keep something going.
Summary
- Analyse findings and let them guide your action.
- Present your work clearly and respectfully.
- Evaluate your project and keep the action going.
Class activity: Community Forum
- Present your project to invited guests.
- Evaluate two other projects.
- Agree on one action to continue.
You need: Map of Ghana, Local newspaper, Printed photographs of a Ghanaian community
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. What an investigation discovers is its…
- A. findings
- B. title
- C. budget
- D. address
Show answer
Answer: findingsResult.2. 15 of 60 learners is…
- A. 25%
- B. 15%
- C. 40%
- D. 60%
Show answer
Answer: 25%15 ÷ 60.3. Civic action works best if it lasts.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSustain.4. A suggestion for action is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: recommendationAction.5. State three things to include in a presentation.
Show answer
Answer: Your question, your findings and your action.Any three.6. How can a clean-up project be sustained?
Show answer
Answer: Make it monthly, assign roles and involve the assembly member.Sustainability.
Homework
- Write a reflection on your project of about 100 words.