Research Project

Many parents are asking about the research project.  Please ask your child for the letter that goes over the expectations and directions.  There are two parts involved (an at school part and a home part).  I have asked for parents to sign the letter so that I know you are informed.  Below I have copied and pasted part of the letter.  Unfortunately the rubric and grading sheet are not copying very nicely.

Please do not confuse this research with the Science Fair Project.  The Science Fair is separate from this research report.  If you have any questions, please post them here or email me.

LETTER SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS ON MONDAY.

Dear Families,

          Over the next several weeks, your child will be completing a two-part research project.  The first part will be the written paper and the second part will be a creative project.  Please review the expectations and time-line of important dates.  Parental support is needed for completing this project. 

Written Report

          Students will begin the written report at school following the writing process.  If they do not finish during the week of April 29, they will need to finish it at home. If students would like to type their report, they will have the opportunity to do this at home after May 3.  See the Informational Writing Rubric for expectations of the writing.

Project

          Students will complete a creative project that represents their topic.  They can create a diorama, poster board, dress up, build something, puppets, etc.  Please see the Scoring Guide for the project expectations. 

Written report, project, & rubric are due Monday, May 13, 2013.  We will begin presentations Monday 5/13 by random draw.

Responsibilities/Work for the week of April 22, 2013

          Mrs. Marcotte:

·         Teach the key points of a research project

·         Allow about 30  - 45 minutes of Internet research in class on the student’s  topic (Friday 4/26)

Students:

·         Decide on a topic – tell topic to Mrs. Marcotte

·         Share topic and project requirements with parents (signature due by Thursday 4/25)

·         Decide on at least 3 questions they want to answer about their topic.  Questions must be able to be expanded on for strong paragraphs.  For example if they choose zebras – What is the zebra’s habitat? What are the physical characteristics of a zebra? What are other interesting (or cool) facts about zebras?

·         Gather books from the public library about their topic – books will need to stay in their bookbag because they will be needed daily at school. BOOKS ARE DUE AT SCHOOL BY MONDAY 4/29

Parents:

·         Help students find books at the library.

·         Help students create meaningful questions.

·         Sign paper that you have seen the project requirements (due by Thursday 4/25).

Responsibilities/Work for the week of April 29, 2013

STUDENTS MUST HAVE BOOKS AT SCHOOL NO LATER THAN MONDAY 4/29

·         The written project will be started at school this week.  If students do not have books from the library, they will not be able to start the project.  Unfortunately, my classroom resources are too limited.

·         Mrs. Marcotte will guide students through their research and conference with students throughout the week.

·         At home project can be started.

Responsibilities for the week of May 6, 2013

          Students

·         Finish project this week

·         Finish writing this week

Parents

·         Help students with the project.

·         Make sure students have projects completed by May 13.