| Elementary Research Techniques |  | The internet is a terrific research resource but having students use search engines can be such a waste of time. Learn how to pick and choose what your kids see and keep them on task. Students record their findings electronically making it easy to organize the information and 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 strategies 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, or allowed to use, online search tools until 6th grade.
I feel pre searching resources and creating Pathfinders for the students is the same as having relevant books and other materials available in your classroom or sending a kid to the library to get help to find resources on the subject. It is just so much more efficient to get kids right to an appropriate website to get the information they need. The result is less time gathering information and more time available to synthesize and evaluate it.
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, animals is not. Jackrabbit is good, rabbit is not. Generate a list that the students can choose from. Having similar subjects helps with creating a database form that is usefull to all. A report about a wild animal such as a jackrabbit will be very different from a report on a collie.
Look at www.yahooligans.com. Usually easier reading level. Try to find 2 sites for each item. 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/
Distributing links.
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. (PathFinders)
Always copy and paste the URL. Do not retype.
2. Creating Templates
Why use Database application?
Using AW Database allows you to completely create the graphic organizer you want the students to use with ease. The fields can hold text or images. All information collected can be copied and pasted into a word document. You can create multiple records if you want to. They are completely editable to suit the needs of your research topics.
See examples below.
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:
Inform 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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 The Virtual Media Center
Big 6 Overview
A systematic approach to problem solving that incorporates 6 broad skill area.
big 6 planner.cwk
big 6 planner.pdf
State.cwk
Database form example
Venn_2.cwk
Database form example
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