I Search Project

7th grade students are working on a" I Search Project".  Our librarian gave students a very  complete class on what to do and where to go when they are investigating about any topic.  First of all, students chose a non-fiction topic of their interest which they will research  to locate information of their interest. They also had to write what they knew already about that topic and what they wanted to learn about the topic as well and research it. To do this, students are using Brittanica on line, World Book and other sources to find information regarding their topic. While doing this, they have  been taking notes using office windows which is an easier way to do so because they just copy, paste and cite the source they got the information from. During this process, students have been turning in I Search Journals based on their research and I have been checking their notes in office windows. To be able to get an "A" on this project they  have to interview a person that knows about the topic they are researching. At the end, they have to use their notes, paraphrase them and write a rough draft which they will later improve based on feedback given and write the 6 paragraph final copy essay. This project has been very interesting since students feel that using the right sources and using the office window note taking skill has helped them not only to learn about this new skill but also to keep in a safe place their notes and not losing them.

Spanish Conquistadors Disscussion

After students got all the instruction and knowledge about the Spanish conquistadors, they had the chance to go and visit a wiki created on these conquistadors. Students did some readings, time lines and projects and at the end the watched some videos which gave them a broader understanding of what they have learned in class. Students posted discussions and reflected on what they have learned from the videos. It seemed to be that students where engaged while watching the videos and posting their disscussions in the wiki. They said that they loved doing this type of activities because they are learning in a fun an active way. I, for sure, will keep doing this with my classes.