Research

Research. It is a big part of Exhibition because as students inquiry into their topics of interest, they need to ask questions using the key concepts and seek out information in order to answer those questions. Last week students started asking some important questions about their topics and have begun the process of researching. Sometimes they work in groups, or with a partner, or even by themselves from time to time. It can be hard for a 4th grader to know where to go for research. Some mentors have set up interviews for their groups via Skype or phone. Groups have used books from the library, articles in Time For Kids and of course various search engines on the computer. 

When it comes to searching on the internet, we are very careful guiding students through that process. Here are just some of the resources our students use:

* Takes kids to safe websites for research: http://www.kidtopia.info/

* Online encyclopedia (purchased): worldbookonline

* Kid friendly search: http://www.kidrex.org

*Nice and quick easy search: http://www.kidzsearch.com/

Students will continue to research this week and will begin to plan out how to take action!

Getting Organized

  One thing that is really helpful when guiding students through their Exhibition is to make sure you are organized! Mrs. Abel, one of the fourth grade teachers at our school, did just that. She has a different color bin for each Exhibition group where the groups can keep supplies and their Exhibition packets. On the back wall of her classroom she has divided up her bulletin board up so that each group has its own space. The groups made posters displaying their essential agreements,  who their mentor is, what time they meet, their lines of inquiry, topic, and articles to share. She made her own large posters displaying the class Central Idea and the Theme.

   It is obvious when you walk into her classroom or any other 4th grade teacher's room, that students know it is time for Exhibition!