Research Project (Using the FINDS Method)

Subject Area(s):

• K-12: Language Arts
• K-12: Science

Grade Level(s):

• K-2nd Grade

Description:

Students are introduced to the FINDS research method, use this method to research a given animal, and create a PowerPoint presentation from a template showing the information learned.

Materials:

• Two types of lower-leveled encyclopedias (i.e. Heinemann First Encyclopedias or World Book Discovery)
• PowerPoint
• Animal information research guide (SM1)
• PowerPoint presentation template (SM2)
• Rubric for final product (SM3)

Procedures:

Direct Instruction:

• TL opens lesson by asking what students think when they hear the word “research.” Go over FINDS method (Focus on the information needed, Investigate resources, Notes, Develop final product, and Score) and write steps on white board. See http://www.sunlink.ucf.edu/finds/ for more details.

Modeling and Guided Practice:

• At 2nd meeting, discuss the word “encyclopedias” and what students think when they hear that word.
• Pass out encyclopedias (one of each type per pair). Look at one type first, then the other. Do a Venn diagram to show similarities and differences on a white board or overhead. Discuss as a group the purpose of an encyclopedia.
• Introduce project. Hand out and review Research Guide (SM1).

Independent Practice:

• At the 3rd meeting, students begin to fill out their research guides. Have them note which encyclopedia they are using (Heinemann or World Book) by writing an “H” or “W” at the top of their guide.
• At the 4th meeting, students complete their research guides, using the other encyclopedia.
• At 5th meeting, have students open PowerPoint and save the template (SM2) into their folder on the server.
• TL demonstrates how to use PowerPoint and give rubric/guidelines for presentation (SM3). If time, students may begin working on presentation.
• Work on presentations until complete.

Sharing and Reflecting:

• When all are finished, have a group sharing time.
• A self reflection or peer evaluation could be administered after projects are presented.

Supporting Files:

• SM2_2ndGradeResearch.ppt
  PowerPoint presentation template (PowerPoint document)
• SM1_2ndGradeResearch.doc
  Animal information research guide (Word document)
• SM3_2ndGradeResearch.doc
  Rubric for final product (Word document)

Standards: