Elementary Library

Say: In the next few weeks we will be learning research skills in the library. When you hear the word “research” what does it make you think? Let’s think for one minute, write or draw our ideas for one minute, and then we will share out. While you are thinking our noise level should be at a 0. Lead students through think-write-share exercise. Use a visual timer to help students pace themselves. OBJECTIVE Say: We have some great ideas about research and hopefully over the next few weeks those ideas will grow and expand. The first step to any research is recognizing what information we are trying to find. This is called identifying an information need. An information need can be simple or complex and is often expressed as a question, also called inquiry.

Display and read objective. Display and clarify any vocabulary

DIRECT INSTRUCTION & PRACTICE Step 1: Read Aloud & Discuss Say: Today we are thinking about how people acquire new knowledge. Let’s look at a book to try and discover that answer together.

Read the first chosen book utilizing the discussion guide. Remind students throughout reading to think about what guiding questions motivated the researchers in the book.

Say: What did ________ do that led to their discovery?

Students should realize that characters had questions and then completed research or experiments to find answers.

Step 2: Model asking research questions Say: Inquiry, or questioning is an important part of learning. People who ask questions often discover new knowledge. Not every question will lead to a new discovery and some questions are more important than others. But all inquiry is research. We used an examples from science, but inquiry can be related to history, math, english, what to buy, what not to buy, the weather, and more. We are going to practice asking questions. I have several different pictures here. Your job is to write a question inspired by the picture on a sticky note and place it around the picture for others to see and wonder. Your question should be appropriate, on-topic, and related to the task at hand. You only need to do three pictures. Let’s do one together.

Show students a picture, allow think time, and then ask a question about the picture. Utilize sentence frames if necessary. Have a few students share their questions as well.

Pass out sticky notes and pencils. Place pictures on tables and allow students to quietly wander between tables to find three that spark their curiosity. Remind students of expectations and voice

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