In our reading books, each (almost) weekly lesson has an Essential Question connected with it. One recent Essential Question was, "What can we do to protect animals?" In connection with this, the students used computers to research endangered and at-risk animals. Students conducted internet-based research to learn more about an individual animal, researching its habitat, its diet and what factors have put it at risk. Then, students wrote a five-sentence paragraph about their animal on the computer and we printed them out. Additionally, students painted a picture of their animal and created a poster, with a tagline, sharing what actions we could take to help that animal. They did a great job conducting the research and had a wonderful first-attempt at typing a paragraph on the computer, where they began to acquire some new technology skills.
Standards Addressed in this Project:
Common Core English Language Arts Standards:
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.8
Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.6
With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2.a
Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge about a topic.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.8
Recall information from experiences or gather information from print and digital sources; take brief notes on sources and sort evidence into provided categories.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.6
With guidance and support from adults, use technology to produce and publish writing (using keyboarding skills) as well as to interact and collaborate with others.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2.a
Introduce a topic and group related information together; include illustrations when useful to aiding comprehension.