2013 Inquiry Groups - Day 1

Here is a short video capturing our first day in our animal inquiry groups. Everyone was very excited to meet their group members and dive into their research resources!

First, I modeled what researchers sound like and look like when they are wondering and learning about a topic. Next, the learners explored different inquiry tubs full of books and printed articles about animals they may be interested in. Each group will also get a chance to research either on the iPad on a safe-website or on the smartboard.

Then, they wrote down their top 3 choices and I organized the groups based on who would work well together, interest, etc.

Finally, they met in their groups for the first time and explored their resources at their fingertips.

We will track our learning and then taking the information and organize it into an informational book. Our final project will be a creation using a digital tool, such as an iMovie, a podcast, an interactive published book, a song, a play, etc....the possibilities are endless and we will be learning different digital tools to use together!

Inquiry Group iMovie!

Dear families,
Here are some clips put together from our time that your child worked collaboratively in an inquiry group. After they asked questions, researched, organized and synthesized their learning, they individually wrote a nonfiction report about their animal. Finally, they reconvened with their group and decided on a way to present their information as experts to the class, somehow incorporating technology. Many groups chose to do a podcast, while some groups chose to share a poster they created while I recorded it and one class even created a group nonfiction book that they read collaboratively while I recorded! This was an AWESOME and inspiring month of learning in the Safari Room where your child challenged and stretched how to read nonfiction and comprehend what they were reading to make true meaning. Awesome time to celebrate!