I wasn't thinking about using my class today as a topic for my writing exercise but the class went so well that I changed my mind. The grade 7s have been working on a unit about the periodic table and were divided into pair groupings to complete a research project on one particular element. Below is the information from their task sheet. (This is not included in my word count!)
Title: The Elemental Quest
Introduction:
In this project research we will embark on an exciting journey into the heart of chemistry and
its profound impact on our world. In this project, we will look into the essential building blocks
of matter: the elements of the periodic table. But we're not just exploring their scientific
significance; we're delving deeper into the catastrophic consequences that could ensue if
these elements were to vanish from our existence.
Each of your groups will embark on a research quest, assigned to investigate the importance
of a specific element from the periodic table. You'll uncover its indispensable role in various
aspects of our lives, from industry to medicine, agriculture to technology. But here's the twist:
you'll also examine the potential devastation that would unfold if this element were to
suddenly disappear from our planet.
Imagine a world without oxygen, carbon, or even something as seemingly inconspicuous as
iodine. The repercussions would be far-reaching and severe, impacting everything from the
air we breathe to the food we eat, the devices we use, and the medicines that keep us
healthy.
Through this project, you'll not only deepen your understanding of chemistry but also
cultivate a sense of responsibility towards preserving these fundamental elements. You'll
discern why it's imperative to safeguard them for future generations and advocate for their
conservation.
Get ready to unlock the secrets of the periodic table and discover the power it holds over our
past, present, and future.
Welcome to the Elemental Quest!
Your research product could take any of the following forms:
● A story (biography or autobiography) about the element
● A children’s book about the Element
● Powerpoint presentation about the element(12-15 slides)
● The element webpage or Movie
● A poem or song about the element
● An element case file or Poster
● Collage/picture book with captions or scrapbook of element
● Interview video (Student/Scientist, Journalist/Researcher, Parent/Child, etc., )
My role in this was to take the students through the process of setting up their Works Cited List (WCL) and to introduce the research guide and the print books available from the library.
As I demonstrated in my account, one person in each pair group set up a WCL using Noodletools and then shared it with their teacher, their partner, and me. Next, I introduced the libguide for the project , which acted as a jumping off point for their research. The guide contains links to various tools such as the library database and noodletools; slide presentations on using noodletools, in-text referencing and the referencing of images according to MLA. There is also a tab for databases, three in all. I went through each one briefly reminding the class how to use them. Finally there is a tab for web links. (All of this is available by clicking on the link above.)
I am returning to the class next week to assist students, mainly with the referencing.
(I am not entirely happy with this description so I will probably edit it!)
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