How does it fit a PBL? There is a launch to get to students thinking about what they need to learn and how they will share their learning with others beyond their classroom. Students work in small, cooperative and collaborative groups during the project. Rubrics are available to help students understand what is expected at the different levels. Students have some choice in the product they create.
How is the research scaffolded? There are many methods out there to step students through the research process; IIM, Big 6, and others. The research steps are integrated throughout the project to help the students stay on target and on task for what they need to accomplish for the project. Proper research skills such as not plagiarizing, citing sources, use of databases, website evaluation, note taking and synthesizing information are enforced.
How can I tailor it to my project? Well, here is one idea I recently worked with a group of dynamic 3rd grade teachers and students...
... First you look at the standards that need to be taught. The teachers wanted to specifically teach research skills along with learning about how people have impacted the community. They chose to target inventors and scientist that have impacted the community.
... Next, look for what resources are available. This is a part that I, the librarian, love to do. I looked for books available as well as what biographies were available in our databases. I created a spread sheet with possibly people to research, marking the resources available. I sorted them and came up with a list of 40 inventors and scientists that I had at least 3 resources; book, database or a trusted website.
...Teachers picked which people to research and brought their students in for a "launch." Another part I love to lead. I created a PowerPoint for this launch. First I did a review of the steps to research, then shared with them a man that impacted our specific community; a blacksmith. Then I shared a video where I interviewed 5th graders on what they knew, or didn't know, about these people. The 3rd graders loved seeing the 5th graders struggle! Then I challenged them with the Driving Question and Problem Statement.
...The next several days, the teachers took on the research steps in the classroom with the provided resources. I also gave them a short PowerPoint on using the "Trash or Treasure" method for taking notes.
...When research was done, I went into each classroom to demonstrate the "Organizing" step. One of my favorite steps where you really get to see the synthesizing of information as the students go through and sort their notes.
...After that, the teachers really took the reigns by getting them ready for the sharing. Students created trifolds to display what they learned and the teachers set aside a day for a "Wax Museum" where the entire school and community what invited. Students were proud of what they learned!
Good luck, and feel free to email me with any questions. I love to share! melzipp@yahoo.com
