Today was the day it all came together! I know we say this all the time, but time really does fly when you are having fun! I can't believe we are wrapping up our second unit of study already!
Throughout this unit, I have been teaching students how to do research by completing a Research Essay using the curriculum I wrote for my 5th graders. I taught them how to read nonfiction in order to learn about a specific topic, and how to write about a that specific topic using the 5 paragraph structure of an essay. I modeled each of these lessons by researching about Alaska, and each student chose a state to study as well. Their final project was to work on a science experiment at home that related to the state they chose to study. The culmination of all this work was today when they presented their science experiments at the The 1st Annual "State" Fair!
It all came together exactly the way that I wanted it to! I am so, so proud of each of them! The parents were commenting that the students "really know what they are talking about!" Yes! After a month and a half of work, they now can be considered an expert on their state of study and the scientific method!
5th Grade's 1st Annual "State" Fair!
Setting Up
The Goodies!
Test-Tube Candies!
These were made especially for our class to have afterwards :)
Presenting to Family, Friends, and Staff
Certificates I Made for Each of Them
Declares him/her an OFFICIAL scientist and researcher!
Declares him/her an OFFICIAL scientist and researcher!
Each Project
Curriculum Outline:
Readers' Workshop - Literature Circles & How to Read Nonfiction
Writers' Workshop - How to Write a Research Paper
Science - How to Use the Scientific Method and Complete a Long Term Project
Social Studies - Integrated within the Readers' and Writers' Workshops, I taught all about Alaskan culture, land, and animals.
Literature Circle Text: Julie of the Wolves, by Jean Craighead George
Read Aloud: Julie, by Jean Craighead George
Math - I followed the Everyday Mathematics Units and stuck in some learning and about the Iditarod using The Iditarod Dog Sled Math Activities
*You can find most of these materials in my Teacher Store, just click here or on the links above!*
Looks like so much fun. I found you on the TPT forum. I'm your newest follower. Even though we teach different grades, we can still learn from each other.
ReplyDeletehttp://drclementskindergarten.blogspot.com/
That is so true! We can all learn from each other :)
DeleteHi Julia,
ReplyDeleteI love all the photos. We have a similar science exhibit but for our 3rd graders. I would love to do one for my second graders. Hmmm. :)