Lesson 10 Researching a Theme

Task 1 asks students to work in groups of 3-5 to develop a research question and conduct
individual research prior to presenting a synthesis of the group’s work. Developing a research
question requires development. Groups should begin by brainstorming specific issues related to
specific themes. Groups are allowed to select their own theme, topic, issue, etc. Themes and
issues are limitless so for this activity students will work on assigned themes.

The Theme
What is a theme? A theme is an underlying issue or idea that connects
Complete the following chart using the Immigration example below as a model.

For example:
Theme - Immigration

Defined - The movement of people across national borders to live permanently in a foreign
country. The United States is building a wall across the Southern Border to stop all border
crossings. There are detention camps along the border that have been criticized for
conditions, etc. Asylum status has been narrowed
and no longer considers domestic violence for one
example. Deportations are occurring that include
people with families, that own homes, and
have lived in the US for decades and children that do
not speak Spanish and may have not have any
memory of living in South or Central America. There
is growing cartel violence and a number of
dangerous criminals and gang members have migrated to the US.

Issue - The population of illegal immigrants is on the rise in much of the world.
Question -
 To what extent is illegal migration a burden?
 How should we address illegal immigration into
the United States?
 How can we eliminate push factors that result in illegal
migration?
 To what extent should America honor the promise carved on the Statue of Liberty?

Lens and Possible Perspectives/Stakeholders:

Political - Government/Politicians in destination country

Global - Government/Politicians in originating country

Economics - Business owners

Education - Teachers

Agriculture - Farmers

Global (supranational organizations, international NGOs, multiple countries, etc.)

Justice - ICE, Border Patrol

Urban - City Planners

Environment - Environmentalist

Social - Unemployed