Sorting Out
In this phase of the inquiry process the students will start to hone in on their specific lines of inquiry and the questions they need to ask to help guide them. They know a lot about their topics on a very general level and they are starting to take their initial research and organize it into more targeted questions and research topics. There is a buzz about the classrooms these days as the children become more and more independent and excited about their inquiries.
April 4, 2016
The students have returned from Spring Break energized and ready to finish their research! They have been spending time with their mentors and discussing their questions and interests in their chosen topics.
To assist in their research, the students have been learning about research methods and different note taking techniques. They generated a list of different sources that may help them. Then they sorted those into primary and secondary sources. In many cases, the students will be seeking primary sources for their research. They learned how to cite all different types of sources and were reminded about note-taking and paraphrasing. They have created deep questions to help them research their lines of inquiry and are well into the process of inquiring into these questions.
The students spent some time with Dr. Frye learning about the information highway and how to be good digital citizens in our research. They used our driver's licenses as a provocation for citing sources.
The students have returned from Spring Break energized and ready to finish their research! They have been spending time with their mentors and discussing their questions and interests in their chosen topics.
To assist in their research, the students have been learning about research methods and different note taking techniques. They generated a list of different sources that may help them. Then they sorted those into primary and secondary sources. In many cases, the students will be seeking primary sources for their research. They learned how to cite all different types of sources and were reminded about note-taking and paraphrasing. They have created deep questions to help them research their lines of inquiry and are well into the process of inquiring into these questions.
The students spent some time with Dr. Frye learning about the information highway and how to be good digital citizens in our research. They used our driver's licenses as a provocation for citing sources.
April 11, 2016
This week the students had a lot of uninterrupted time to read research, watch videos, interview people, and reflect on their learning. We paused for a bit to discuss how they could share their learning with the Whitby community. Check out their list of ideas below.
This week the students had a lot of uninterrupted time to read research, watch videos, interview people, and reflect on their learning. We paused for a bit to discuss how they could share their learning with the Whitby community. Check out their list of ideas below.
- Weebly
- Video - informational
- Video - made by your group
- Slideshow
- Interactive Activity
- Posters
- diagrams/charts/illustrations
- Simulation on how something works
- Models or diorama
- Visuals
- Experiments
- Skit
- Written songs or poems
- Create a game - Scratch
- Silent film
- Quiz/survey
- iBooks
- Powerpoint
- Instructional pamphlet
- Tour guide
April 12
With just over two weeks to go, the students have started to realize that the end is in sight. Today they brainstormed all the ways they could be assessed on their learning. Their ideas were then turned into a rubric for them so that they could self-evaluate their progress.
With just over two weeks to go, the students have started to realize that the end is in sight. Today they brainstormed all the ways they could be assessed on their learning. Their ideas were then turned into a rubric for them so that they could self-evaluate their progress.
April 18-22
There has been a buzz of excitement throughout the ME rooms this week! Each group is hard at work on their knowledge products and planning out their action. From conducting surveys, interviewing experts, and going on field trips, the students have been immersed in their inquiries. Check out the photos below.
There has been a buzz of excitement throughout the ME rooms this week! Each group is hard at work on their knowledge products and planning out their action. From conducting surveys, interviewing experts, and going on field trips, the students have been immersed in their inquiries. Check out the photos below.
April 22, 2016
The Space Race group had the opportunity to conduct a Skype interview with Sonia van Meter, a finalist for the one way mission to Mars.
The Space Race group had the opportunity to conduct a Skype interview with Sonia van Meter, a finalist for the one way mission to Mars.