Assessment
During this project, the students will be assessed in a variety of ways, both formally and informally depending on the stage of the project.
The final evaluation for the students' completed writing product will be done with a rubric. The rubric was distributed and reviewed with students prior to beginning their research.
Individual conferencing was completed for the purpose of editing and revising. (See attached rubric.)
Learning Context/ Introduction
This project lends itself to follow a literature unit on the book The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B. White. In this learning experience, students utilize research skills and the writing process to create an informational pamphlet on an animal of their choice.
Duration
Planning is minimal as the pamphlet creation in PrintShop program is easy and students had familiarity working with this program in other classes.
Implementation: This lesson involved one 90-minute class period in the library and one 90- minute period at the computer lab over two days. Additional time was required in the classroom for individual student conferencing and revising and editing.
Assessment was done both formally and informally. Formal assessment using a grading rubric involved less than 15 minutes per student.
Essential Question
How can you utilize the library to conduct research?
Instructional/Environment Modifications
Instructional Modifications: Students were provided with a guide sheet for the information collected during library research. The writing demands were made less daunting to students who have writing difficulties by allowing students to use bullets for their pamphlet.
Physical Modifications: Classroom activity will require use of library and computer lab with PrintShop.
Procedure
Day 1: Library (90 minutes) In conjunction with the school librarian, students were given instruction on using the various databases and research tools to locate information on their chosen animal. Students were provided a teacher made worksheet to guide students through their research.
Day 2: Computer Lab (90 minutes) Students are given grading rubric and expectations are discussed. Students worked independently for the remainder of the period to continue researching (if needed) and create a pamphlet using PrintShop program.
Individual conferences were held with each student for the purpose of editing and revising their work. Students needing additional time used study halls to complete creating and revising pamphlet. Student work was assessed using teacher created rubrics for final pamphlet
Reflections and Feedback
This lesson was developed to assist students who are reluctant to express themselves through writing by having students create informational pamphlets rather than a traditional research paper. This project was well received by students who were very eager to conduct their research.
To improve on this lesson, I would collect and grade the student data collection sheet given to students prior to beginning their research.
Student Work
Students complete a tri-fold brochure on researched animal. (See attached student samples.)
Sample 1Sample 2Sample 3
Related Resource
PrintShop or similar card making softwareAnimal Research Expectations and Computer Lab PlanAnimal Research Guide
