Out of this World - Level 4 Sample Unit
This activity may involve several sessions for students to conduct and develop
their research. They develop an action plan and rubric for self and peer assessment
of the research task, establish group norms and protocols and establish criteria
for assessing personal learning preferences.
Teachers discuss with students the research component. In groups, students
select an aspect of our solar system to investigate. For example, a planet,
major moon, meteorite or comet. Each group will use the information from their
research to develop a brochure and multimedia presentation. The brochure will
include images and references. Teachers develop with students a rubric for
self and peer assessment of the research component.
Using a K-W-L-H approach, each group
brainstorms key ideas for their
research and develops a research action
plan including:
- how they will conduct their research
- research questions or headings
- the roles each person will play
- resources required
- timeline to complete tasks.
Each group reports to the class. As a class, students consider each action
plan and contribute ideas for the research questions and how the research
is developed. Students are encouraged to question the research including suggestions
for further research and any information that is not clear and the validity
of their sources.
Each group refines their action plan based on feedback.
In groups, students collect and organise their information, including:
- saving images that may be for their brochure and multimedia presentations
- documenting all information including filenames and sources.
Each group shares their research with another group who provides feedback.
In pairs, students discuss their own contribution and learning before completing
their reflection journals.
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