In Louisiana back woods Cajuns have traditionally pursued hand (and foot) fishing in bayous as they sought turtles and catfish.
This week I learned that people in Oklahoma also fish for catfish by hand; they call it noodling because the person's hand and arm is presented to the huge catfish as bait.
As a social studies student I want you to learn to spot trends and create hypotheses about the world around you.
So my questioning went like this:
a) Hand fishing in Louisiana.
b) Hand fishing also in Oklahoma.
c) Can we assume that hand fishing is most likely a widespread phenomenon?
d) Can we imagine that hand fishing is a global pursuit? Should I be surprised if I find evidence of it in China? In Europe?
It becomes a social studies project when you pose a question:
- Is hand fishing a global phenomenon?
and follow that with inquiry
- a Google search of the literature on hand fishing
- interviews with qualified people.
When you report your method and the results you have virtually done your project.
For students and parents who love education and exploration of the social sciences . . .