| Elementary Research Techniques
Level: 1-6
The internet is a terrific research resource but having elementary students use search engines is such a waste of time. Learn how to pick and choose what your kids see and keep them on task. Have your students record their findings electronically making it easy to produce high quality reports
This method can be used when all students have access to a computer such as with a lab, or it can be used in a classroom when only one or two computers are available. One of the keys to this method is the pre-searching the teacher does to find the web site resources the students will use as their information sources. Search stratigies is a lesson all to itself. It is a nightmare to introduce students to search engines and directories while simultaneously attempting to conduct a research project. I recommend that students not be introduced to online search tools until 6th grade.
I feel this is the same as sending a kid to the library and having the libraian help find books on their subject. It is just so much more efficient to send kids right to an appropriate website to get their information.
One thing you’ll notice right away when using this method is how it focuses the students. They have all they need literally right at their fingertips. There is no need to get up to walk around.
1. Topics and sources
Choose topics that are specific and similar. Ex: desert animals is good, animials is not. Jackrabbit is good, rabbit is not.
Look at www.yahooligans.com is good. Usually easier reading level. Try to find 2 sites for each iitem. More is usually not required.
Fill out your sites by searching www.google.com use search methods found here
Other online resources available. Ex. http://go.grolier.com:80/
Always copy and paste the URL. Do not re-type.
Save your links using website (best) or pathfinder (pretty good)
Web site: Urban Planet example (so easy), html editor (pretty easy)
Pathfinder: MS Word or AppleWorks example.
Distributing links.
2. Creating Templates
Why use Database app?
Using AW Database: create fields (no limit), design template, (any order) set Multimedia fields, save as template?
Other DB apps will do.
Using on 1 computer or multiple. (new records)
3. Finished reports
Options: 1. Use data sheet as notes page. Have students write rough draft report using notes. Edit report and when ready, publish using WP program. Students can then insert images onto finished reports. 2. Create a slide show to present information gathered to a group. This option will probably require more image fields. 3. go right to finished product (i.e. Field Guide to Desert Plants and Animals)
Tips:
Warn students up front: They are only to be on the websites you have selected. Web browsers DO NOT just go to www.cartoonnetwork.com all by themselves. Anyone who is found to be on another site will not be able to use the computer without direct supervision. Hopefully this will cut down on unauthorized “surfing”.
If you are using laptops for the students or in a lab, make sure the kids know to raise their hands and let the help (you) come to them. The help they need is with their computer so you’ll need to go to them. Having the students stay in their seats will help cut down on accidents.
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