The library has been busy with readers, of course - and recently, lots of researchers! The 5th Grade wrapped up their Ancient Civilization Scavenger Hunt just in time for the 4th grade to start researching landmarks across America. Using the World Book Online database as well as a Resource List I compiled and posted on Mrs. Seymour's online webpage Caught in the Web , students are learning about U.S. Landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge! The library's iPads are allowing students to work independently and stay engaged in their work as well as hone their keyboarding skills and general use of technology. After students have learned the Who, What, Why, Where, and When of their landmarks and cited their sources, they will type up scripts and produce podcasts.
This week, the 3rd grade is being introduced to a research project as well! Third grade students will be choosing a classic author, researching the author's life and producing a biographical podcast. They too will take advantage of the iPads in the library to work independently, collecting information from at least three online sources. Students will discover what inspired their author's writing and will read at least one of the author's works.
Research projects can be a bit overwhelming for young students but by using the Big 6 Research Strategy and conducting research at every grade level here at Memorial School from Kindergarten through 5th grade, students begin to develop critical inquiry-based research skills that will serve them throughout their entire academic life - specifically, how to take a note,cite a source, synthesize information, evaluate sources, paraphrase, and the list goes on.
Look for pics of our students hard at work on my next blog post! In the meantime, Happy Reading...and Research!
