Third Graders as Researchers

Did you know that the Common Core Standards were written to help students become college and career ready?  Have you wondered what that means for a third grader?  Well, up until now, I know my third grade students have wondered why we have to know what an index, table of contents, and glossary are (aside from "because it is on a test").

Today, third graders in room 177 began to discover not only just why we need to know what an index, table of contents, and glossary are but also how to use them in a purposeful context.  Over the past few weeks, students have been learning about migration and ecosystems.  Beginning today, I have turned the students loose to explore an animal with their P.R.I.D.E. group.  Together, they will complete a planning page which they will use to write and individual animal migration research report.

D'Aijah and Adriana work together to research
 the migration habits of zebras.

The Common Core Standards ask third graders to conduct short research projects and build knowledge about a topic (ELA.Writing.3.7).  They also ask students to use text features to locate information about a given topic efficiently (ELA.Reading Informational Text.3.5). Finally, they ask us to use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others (ELA.Writing.3.6).  As you can see from the photographs, students are succeeding at meeting these 21st century standards.

Abubakr, James, Angel, and Cayla collaborate on a
 migration research report about seals.

After the planning and information gathering page is completed as a team, students will write a draft report.  Once the draft is complete, revision and editing will occur.  Finally, students will finalize and publish their reports in the HSA-DE computer lab under Mr. Korkmaz's supervision.  Mr. Korkmaz and I have teamed to teach the third graders how to create a Power Point slide presentation out of their animal migration research report.  During this phase of the research process, students will navigate the Internet to find an image or their topic animal.  Students will create a visual presentation to pair with their written research project.  Students will be able to print their finished product and take it home.

Ray'Von and Aaron partnering to learn how salmon migrate.

The students are very excited to collaborate and truly gain a purpose for learning.  We are so excited about the great things that are happening in third grade!

Ra'Jhay, Jayda, Lavon, Da'Marieon, and Khadijah team
up to learn about turtle migration.