"National Parks" Library Project
Collaborative w Grade Five, Exceptional Education support.
Library Research Skills
The project launched with a general review of research skills, as well as navigating non-fiction texts to locate information (table of contents, glossary, indices, etc.) Books were gathered off the shelf as well as through inter-library loan. We selected titles focusing on National Parks.
Trash or Treasure! Note taking skills.
We moved on to "Trash or Treasure." A lesson using an article about the purpose of National Parks to build background knowledge as well as how to locate "treasure" within non-fiction text. The librarian took this lesson to the Grade 5 classrooms!
Research driven by personal interests!
Students were ready to select a park. They participated in mixed ability groups while individual students within the group self-selected an area of personal interest to research. Research was conducted using non-fiction texts both print and on-line. Students became more adept at taking notes and citing sources as their confidence grew along with their abilities.
The seed of an idea... grows into achievement.
Our students love to talk about their summer vacations. When I saw how much they loved sharing their journeys, I turned their interests into a National Parks project to include research; learning and citing resources; creating presentations; sharing those presentations with younger students; and asking new questions with community organizations.
The Librarian collaborated with Grade 5 classrooms with support from Gifted Resources. We began this project in January, and it blossomed through the month of March. Our goal was to tap into every student's interest-- those in need of remediation, those in the gifted program and everyone in between. Coupled with a focus on research skills and the willingness to explore student-driven inquiry, we all learned from each other and exceeded our expectations as a school community.
Snacking on Nonfiction!
We asked our kids to browse through an assortment of books on National Parks! What do these parks all have in common? What makes them each unique?
Responsibility!
Students were provided with a list of topics they may wish to explore about National Parks. They were also provided with a list of questions that they may consider if they choose that topic. Each student had a responsibility to select a park; rank three topics of interest; as well as to begin thinking about how to design their presentation.
What we know! Let's go!
Once each student identified their personal interest by selecting a national park to research, and topic to explore about their park they investigated using OneSearch. Later they would decide on how they would share and present their new knowledge. Our Grade 5 learners identified Grade 2 students as having the most shared topics of VASOL.
Here's what we've learned so far....
A topic of interest for each and every student!
The best part is that every student has discovered a topic that really interests them. This student is studying the bird "Stellar's Jay" in the Grand Canyon!
New learning leads to new inquiry!
Most students wanted to research animals that live in the parks, so an extended project was launched focusing on animals native to specific National Parks. Students created a folder to be displayed during the culminating activity, a living museum. The folder highlighted interesting facts about the animal and its place in the food chain. Several students chose to present their animal project using fold-ables.
The Wildlife Center of Virginia and our generous PTA!
To support student interest in animals, The Wildlife Center of Virginia visits PES on March 23, 2015 to present their program, "Life Along the Appalachian Trail." The PTA sponsored this program that will be presented to the entire student body. Students will have an opportunity to see and learn about three animals found in National Parks (hawk, snake, and opossum) along with other flora and fauna.
Pogo! The Opossum
Pogo (an opossum) a former pet, is now too friendly towards humans to survive in the wild. Students learned the do's and don'ts about leaving trash along roadsides and how it impacts wildlife. They also chuckled at the possum's theatrical ability to evade a predator!
Grayson! The Hawk
This little hawk was pushed out of his nest by siblings competing for food. Unable to fly distances (his broken wing didn't heal properly,) he is a permanent resident of the Wildlife Center. A fascinating look at food webs, as well as survival of the fittest among species on the Appalachian Trail.
Albus! The Rat Snake
This snake, a former pet, was a treasure trove of learning about animal adaptations! Kindergarten through Grade 5 couldn't keep their eyes off of Albus!
Living Museum! A sharing of knowledge between grade levels!
Student groups are presently reviewing their notes about national parks in general. Students will create a "LIVING MUSEUM" to present to Grade 2 students in April 2015. As the younger students tour, they will press an imaginary "button" at each display. The activated "button" setting into motion the older students to become animated as presenters. Grade 5 students will present their information using skits, readers theater, etc. The choice is theirs, so we are expecting a wide range of products.
Skype with the Director, Daniel Boone National Forest
Students had a wonderful time asking questions with the Park Director! Student's asked about the types of subjects necessary to study to become a park manager, and what are the types of projects that rangers are involved in resource management.