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Recognizing and Utilizing Valid Resources for Research
Content Topic:
Students will be working in groups, researching the topic of their choice. The students will be selecting their topics from a list generated by multiple 2nd grade classes. Students will eventually create picture books on the topics they have researched.
Overview:
Unit Overview: The following lessons will be part of a large expository unit. Students will learn and practice skills needed to read for information. They will select topics to research and ultimately create picture books for 2nd grade students. The picture books will be based upon the information they have found. At the conclusion of the unit, Students will read and share their picture books with the 2nd grade classes.

Overview of Lessons:
Day 1: Students will be reintroduced to the various print and non-print resources available within the Media Center. Since it has been some time since the students worked with the print and non-print resources, background knowledge will need to be developed. The students will be asked to recall sources used in the past, they will receive a brief lesson on the sources used, and conclude the lesson with an interactive matching game. The game will help review the material that was reintroduced.

Day 2: Students will be researching their selected topics in the Media Center. The Library Media Specialist will be introducing students to the various resources available to help find information. (Both print and non-print sources) The students will come to the Media Center with basic background knowledge of the databases and other various sources they will be using, however the Library Media Specialist will help enrich the students� understanding of those sources and help them efficiently utilize the non-print sources. The students will begin to complete their plan of action handout and start their search. A lesson on proper citation format will occur later on in the unit.
Collaboration Potential:
Intensive
Total Estimated Time:
160 minutes
Suggested Number Of Sessions:
4 sessions
Resources:

·          Interwrite Board                                                                                                                                

·          Research Notes/Citation Information Handout

·          Computer Lab

·          Jaws for Windows (Accommodation)

·          Braille Display  and/or Audio Reading of Sources(Accommodation)

·          Audio Recorder (If needed)

·          Plan of Action Handout

·          List of Student Topics

·          List of Lower Level Databases(Accommodation)

·          Index Cards for Matching Activity

·          Resource Surveys

·          Paper/Pens/Pencils

 

Instruction / Activities:

Day 1: Lesson

Anticipatory Set: Students will be asked to take out a half sheet of paper and comment on the following prompts individually:

·          What does the term “research” mean to you? What kinds of thoughts come to mind when you hear the word research? Please explain.

·          What tools have you used in the past to gather information you do not know? List as many as you can remember.

·         What kind of experience did you have using these tools? Were you frustrated? Were the tools helpful? Please explain.

 

*The class will be given a few minutes to answer the questions. They will “think, pair, share” their ideas out.


Direct Instruction:

Once students have shared what they already know about research and how they feel about conducting research, the general education teacher will conduct a lesson on what sources are and how they can be helpful when gathering information. The general education teacher will focus primarily on non-print sources. (Non-print sources seem to confuse the students the most.) A brief overview and explanation of each non-print source found in the Media Center will take place. (This will serve as a quick review) A brief explanation of the research process will take place as well. (Steps the students need to complete when conducting research for this particular assignment)

 

Modeling and Guided Practice:

Students will be completing an assignment where they will be asked to match non-print source titles to appropriate definitions. The teacher will explain and model the expectations of this assignment.

 

Independent Practice:

Students will complete the non-print research matching assignment. Each student will be given an index card with either a non-print title or a definition printed on the front. The cards will be mixed up and chosen by the students at random. Each student will need to walk around the room and find their correct match. They will need to discuss with one another to ensure that the match is correct. Once all students have found their matches, they will all have a seat with their partner. One by one, each partnership will come to the front of the room and share their definition and reason of why they felt this answer is correct. Students will be encouraged to give an example of what that particular non-print source could be used for.

 

Sharing and Reflecting:

Once all students have shared their definitions, each student will need to complete a quick survey. The surveys will be completed independently. In the survey, the students will be asked to reflect on what they have learned. The students will also be asked what materials and resources help them best when conducting research. A list of these suggestions will be given to the Library Media Specialist prior to the next day’s lesson. Reflection responses will serve as an informal assessment, helping to assess students’ knowledge of non-print sources.

 

Day 2 Lesson

Anticipatory Set: The Library Media Specialist will review the previous day’s lesson with the students by having the non-print source cards mounted on the wall. (The matching cards that were used from the lesson given yesterday)The students will be asked to stand under the appropriate cards that they had yesterday. They will be asked to each review the definitions on their cards with the class. (Reviewed from yesterday’s lesson)

 

Direct Instruction:

The Library Media Specialist will demonstrate the use of the pathfinder that the students will be using for their research. The pathfinder will be available on the school website. The pathfinder will be made on Glogster and will have the links the students will be required to use for their research.

Students will record the non-print sources they will be using on their action plan handout. The handout will be provided for them.

Students will be reminded that they will be asked to demonstrate what they learned. The Library Media Specialist will check for understanding.

One student from each group will be asked to demonstrate how to access a non-print source they will be using for their research. They will use the Interwrite Board to demonstrate for the class.

 

Modeling and Guided Practice:

The Library Media Specialist and classroom teacher will circulate around the room as the students finish filling out their action plans.  Students will be working in their groups and will decide what areas need to be researched on their topic. Examples of last year’s projects will be available for students to review.

The Library Media Specialist and classroom teacher will check for understanding. Any students who require review will receive additional assistance. Additional modeling and guided practice will occur if students seem frustrated or confused when creating their action plans.

 

Independent Practice:

After students complete their actions plans they will begin their research. Students will use their research note sheet to collect information on their topic. The Library Media Specialist and the classroom teacher will check for understanding as the research is completed. (Citation information will be documented as research is conducted)

 

Sharing and Reflecting:

Prior to the end of class a representative from each group will be asked to demonstrate, using Glogster, how they collected information for their topic.

Students will share their successes and/or problems with locating information on their topics.

 

Motivational Goals: (Covered throughout Unit)

·          Students will demonstrate knowledge of databases through active participation. (Demonstrate knowledge using the Interwrite Board)

·          Students will select their own topic to research, building student interest.

·          Students are building relevance by modeling appropriate behavior. Students will be sharing their information with 2nd grade classes.

·          Students will be provided with clear expectations. Shared expectations will be present through the use of a rubric.

·          Students will be provided with feedback. Their plan of action and research will be reviewed before picture books are created. (Mini-conferences)

·          Students will understand that their picture books will be shared with 2nd grade classes, therefore an opportunity for enrichment will be provided to them. (Authentic experiences will be made)

·          Students will be provided time for reflection at the conclusion of the research portion of the unit.

 

Assessment Methods and Criteria:

  • Informal assessments will occur throughout the course of the unit. (Through group collaboration, mini-conferences, student demonstrations, student reflections and through other class/Media Center activities. (For example, the partner matching activity)
  • Formal assessments will occur at the conclusion on this unit. Students will be formally assessed on their completed picture book and upon their citations page. (Rubric will be used)

Accommodations:

Any student with special needs will receive additional assistance and/or adaptive equipment as required by their 504 or IEP plan. Collaboration will occur between the special education teacher, the general classroom teacher and with the Library Media Specialist.

 

Collaborators:
Christine Stockslader Amy Klocek-Ziemba
Print this Lesson Plan
Presented By: Amy Klocek-Ziemba
Collaborative: Christine Stockslader Amy Klocek-Ziemba
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