[CASL-L] 9th Grade Science Research Project Question

[Rocca, Jennifer]

We've been trying to convince our teachers, especially the freshman
teachers, that not every research project has to be a big, elaborate
undertaking. We've been encouraging them to focus on some more isolated
skills. It creates a better, targeted practice for the students. It also
means that both students and teachers are less overwhelmed. For example:

   - Given a specific topic to research, generate a research question and
   find two sources that answer your question. Cite those sources in
   NoodleTools. In the source annotation include an explanation of why this
   source has authority and how it answered your research question. (that's it
   - no presentation, no written paper, etc.)
   - Students are given a topic to research. Students generate specific
   research questions for that topic. I provide a set of resources that should
   answer their questions (a set of books, links to websites and database
   articles). Students find the answers to these questions and take
   well-organized notes. They share answers together in class.

For freshmen we focus on:

   - generating quality research questions
   - basic citations
   - source authority
   - summarizing key ideas / note taking

If they could practice these skills with smaller projects more often, then
they'd be better prepared for a full research paper/project in the second
half of the year.

On Thu, Jan 24, 2019 at 2:30 PM Michele Eligio <
meligio at northbranfordschools.org> wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Does anyone collaborate on a 9th-grade science research paper on climate
> change and if so are willing to share out what they've done? Our 9th
> graders all complete an argumentative English research paper on an
> injustice. They learn how to write a thesis statement, MLA formatting,
> in-text citations, creating a works cited page, etc... This is a
> semester-long intensive paper. The science teachers now want to have these
> same students complete some sort of research paper in their classes. I know
> from a survey that went out to students that they feel they need more
> extensive instruction on how to use databases. This was part of the
> 9th-grade research project, but the students were just so overwhelmed that
> they honestly felt they needed more practice - great that they realize this
> and want to learn more!!! So, if you have such a unit, I would also be
> interested in which databases/resources you utilize. As a matter of fact,
> if you have a database lesson available I would be interested in that
> too! So much to prepare; so little time!!! Thanks in advance. :)
>
> --
>
>
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Michele Eligio
>
> North Branford High School Librarian
>
> 49 Caputo Road
>
> North Branford, CT  06471
>
> (203) 484-1465
>
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-- 

Jennifer Rocca
BHS Teacher Librarian
203-775-7725 x-7775

"We are a learning community committed to fostering intellect, respect, and
integrity."
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