IIM Research is scaffolded approach to classroom research in 7 manageable steps. The Independent Investigation Method creates a context for integrated literacy (reading, writing and speaking). Students are empowered to become original content creators, collaborators & communicators!

• 2-Tiered Scaffolded Approach to Classroom Research
  
• 7 Manageable Steps in Research Process
• Context for Integrated Literacy (Reading-Writing-Speaking)
• Opportunities for Goal-Setting & Evaluation (Clear Deadlines!)
• Development of Information Literate Content Creators, Collaborators & Communicators

Sample Project Pages :

1. Space Mission
2. Animals
3. Maker Space: Research Challenges

•Spark Curiosity with Immersion Activities!

•Generate facts & questions.

•Organize & categorize (graphic organizer)

•Post glossary.

Students will...participate in immersion activities, choose & narrow a topic, record prior knowledge and ask questions.

Enthusiasm and personal interests are a big part of learning!

• Distinguishing between Thick & Thin Questions
• Cultivating Keen Observers: See-Think-Wonder
• I wonder.... Responding to Non-Fiction
  
• Thinkmarks for Asking Questions
• Q-Charts

Brainstorm Questions:

• Questioning Strategies
• Spin a Question
• Question Cube Template & Ways to Use Cubing

•Develop questions to direct research.

•Set goals for notefacts and new words.

•Define number & types of sources to be used.

Students will...understand learning goals, develop research questions, and create an action plan.

Discover the Facts! Use many resources. Cite those facts.

Introduce concept of plagiarism.

•Model & guide notefact-taking.

•Record source itnformation and numbers.

•Reread & revise; encourage thinking & analysis.

•Add new vocabulary to glossary.

Students will...understand plagiarism, identify and cite valid sources, take notes, define topic vocabulary.

Improve Research Projects with Notefacts
Steps to Taking Notefacts & Notefacts Page

Preventing Plagiarism

http://mandarinmagnet-tech.weebly.com/research-tools.html

Build a Framework From Your Notes! Put Your Notes in Categories. Analyze & Interpret Findings.

•Reread notefacts & look for categories.

•Cut & manipulate, sort.

•Refer to guiding questions.

•Write category choices on organizing charts.

•Color code magnifying glasses.

•Group/regroup/ cut& paste.

Students will...sort notes by focus question, identify essential ideas, organize on graphic organizer.

• Requirements met for notefacts connected to questions?

• Number of sources & type?

• Where are gaps or holes from research plan?

• Gather additional facts & glossary words as needed.

• Identify/Summarize key findings.

Students will...review goals from Step 2, do more research if necessary to achieve goals, draw conclusions and identify new understandings.

•Choose audience & presentation format.

•Plan, design, and write final products.

•Develop topic sentences, develop written product, use
evidence to support conclusions.

•Use technology to publish work for specific audience.

Students will...write paper if assigned, represent information in a variety of ways, choose an appropriate product to share.

Storyboard Templates

Showtime! Who’s the audience? Present what you know.

Students will...Make a presentation plan, prepare/practice speaking & listening skills audience & present information in variety of formats.

Technology tools provide opportunities for differentiation, personalization, and flexibility in product creation and presentation. Students can choose from a range of presentation and storytelling platforms to represent their research and share online with diverse audiences. Expression styles may combine text, hyperlinks, images, video, and audio together. With teacher guidance, can choose from a menu of options that connect to identified standards and written expression.

Presentation Rubrics: K-8

Email: elizabeth.eastman@gmail.com
Website: https://sites.google.com/cfisd.net/cyparklibrary/home
Location: Cypress, TX, USA
Twitter: @elizbtheastman