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Second Semester: A Focus on Research & Experience
The Olympics Project
Although this was a straightforward information-gathering enterprise, it was different for our students because it was their first time working with NoodleTools and working with partners they might not share class time with. In Social Studies 7, the students chose partners, and each group chose a country. Then in English 7, students learned about evaluating websites, using databases, and using information ethically. We also had students set up their NoodleTools accounts and become familiar with the interface. As they continued their journey into completing their research, they had to communicate and collaborate through their Google Apps for Education as well as the shared project feature of NoodleTools. After the phase of collecting information was over, students went back to Social Studies 7 to organize their information, gather media, and put it all together in a Google Presentation that they then shared with their peers.
Even though this project had its ups and downs due to weather and the normal bumps that come with the introduction of a new project, the students were ultimately well acquainted with using databases, evaluating websites, and creating citations. This foundation was extremely beneficial as they moved forward into research projects required by other classes.
Battle of the Books
Our middle school teams competed just before Spring Break this year, and after going back and forth, the Fresh Princes, a team of 8th grade boys, took home the win. I'm looking forward to seeing them compete at the high school level next year.
This year was a record-setting year in terms of participation. We had 11 full middle school teams and nine high school teams in competition. The books were excellent, and I'm really looking forward to the book selection process for next year!
Olympics Project
Grammar Girl
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books
Battle of the Books
Family Folklore
Divergent Parties
Music 7 Research Projects
Traveling Trunk
Planting Letterboxes
Mrs. Jenkins and I talked to Camp Cullom, a local youth camp, about the possibility of planting some letterboxes on their grounds. They agreed, and we took the 8th graders on a small field trip to find good hiding spots, find landmarks, and write basic directions to find the hiding spots. After the field trip, the students created algebraic equations for the finders to solve that would give them the numbers needed to find the letterbox.
Once all the boxes are planted, we'll post the clues on AtlasQuest for other letterboxers to find. This hobby turned lesson perfectly incorporated mathematical concepts, literacy, and teamwork to create a memorable learning experience for our students.
Divergent Day
Divergent Day
Traveling Trunk
Traveling Trunk
Letterboxing
Family Folklore
Book Bracketology
Over the course of several days, students voted during lunch for a series of "games" on the bracket. Each winning team moved on to the next round until we ended with our final top choice. This year's winning title was Where the Red Fern Grows.
To Kill a Mockingbird Project
Students worked in small groups to research the topics, write the articles, and put everything together in either a Microsoft Publisher document or a Smore flyer.
Government Debates
Each student in government had two topics. The first topic was the one he or she would debate on; to avoid too much agreement between students, Mr. Scott assigned perspectives to each participant. The second topic was one that the student would ask questions about to those participating in the debate. The goal for the second topic was to draw out the finer points of the topic and inspire a more heated debate.
Students used the general web as well as EBSCO's TOPICsearch database to find and evaluate opinions for use in their argument. This was yet another way students are honing their information literacy skills.
Focus on the Future: Gaming & Databases
Gaming in the Library
Although some may believe that there should be a distinct difference between work and play, I have found that students learn skills more quickly and concretely when engaged in a task that requires thought without feeling like traditional school work. In addition, many games like Bolide, Power Grid, and Ticket to Ride teach curricular concepts as well. Bolide has strong ties to physics, Power Grid is based in economic principles, and Ticket to Ride requires basic geographic knowledge (Harris). In my DonorsChoose project, I asked for a variety of cooperative and competitive games that cover topics from science, social studies, and literature.
Since funding on my project was completed, I have received my games. Currently, they're ready for play; several are being beta tested by my library aides. I also have AP teachers who are going to use them as a way to maintain critical thinking while providing a relaxing environment on AP testing days. In addition, I've hosted a gaming day in the library with more to come in the last month of school.
In the future, I see this project growing to include more games, bi-weekly "tabletop" days, gaming tournaments, and game creation units tied to curriculum. Although I've implemented game creation units in my classes before, the focus was always on the clarity of instructions and ease of play. After doing research, I now see how I can add elements of statistics and probability to this unit to enhance the playability of the product (Mayer). I'm sure that as we grow our collection, we'll find new avenues to travel, and I'm looking forward to the growth of this program!
Harris, Christopher. "Meet The New School Board." School Library Journal 55.5 (2009): 24-26. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 29 Apr. 2014.
Mayer, Brian. "Board Game Design." School Library Journal 57.6 (2011): 20-21. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts. Web. 30 Apr. 2014.
Set One
Set Two
Set Three
Mad Game Skills
Extreme Beta Testers
Teamwork
Additional Databases
Currently, we are exploring the free trial versions of databases published by Gale Cengage, ABC-CLIO, and EBSCO. Some databases are quite comprehensive and could become a strong classroom supplement, even to the point of replacing a textbook as our technology use in the school grows. It's a very exciting time to be a part of the CPHS Library.
Megan Scott
Megan Scott has been the librarian at CPHS since Fall 2008. In addition to the librarian position, Megan also teaches two sections of English for grade 12. Prior to taking the position as librarian, Megan was a full-time English teacher.
Megan is a co-sponsor of Z Club, coach of both the English and Social Studies ACE teams, and school coordinator for Clinton County Battle of the Books. She also serves on the school improvement committee and the district technology team. Outside of the school, she is a member of the Eliot Rosewater selection committee and is working to become a Google Certified Trainer.
Email: megscott@cpsc.k12.in.us
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/cpsc.k12.in.us/jr-sr-high-school-library/
Phone: 765-659-3305
Twitter: @gopherlibrarian