So I am now starting to consider the wrapping phase of this inquiry. I need to think about my audience. For this project, my main audience will be my husband and son. I hope to use this project to share some of the things that I have discovered about California. I want it to be a fun presentation for them. I also want them to learn a lot about our up-coming trip.
I have considered several different formats for this project. Here are the projects that I have thought about: photos, brochure, documentary, quilt, timeline, poster, presentation and Web page. I have helped my son use PowerPoint for some of his school projects. He also really enjoys creating whimsical presentations just for the fun of it. I would like for him to see a presentation that I create for one of my assignments. I want him to see the connection.
Here is my planning process. I began by experimenting with NoteStar. As I mentioned in my last blog, I do enjoy taking notes. I liked this web-based tool. It was some work to set it up, but well worth it. Here is the website: http://notestar.4teachers.org/login/noteCardLogin.jsp. I think that it would be a great tool for a teacher to use with students.
I plan to use my notes, my bubble map and online photos for my presentation. I would like for the presentation to contain information about various sites in California as well as photos. I am excited about getting started!
I really like this phase of the 8W's. It is so wonderful to watch a student make something that reflects the research and work of an inquiry project. I think that the freedom of creation is so rewarding. It is a great moment for both student and teacher. There are so many tips to this phase provided by Dr. Lamb on the Information Age Inquiry website. For elementary students, the 'Guidelines' step really stood out. "Provide students with guiding questions or ideas for creating a particular type of production" (Lamb). I think that this is crucial for young students, because the process for creating a project can be very intimidating. To set guidelines, is a wonderful way to encourage students to be creative without overwhelming them.
As I begin to work on my project, I am looking forward to the final product! I am one step closer to California and our dream vacation.
Lamb, Annette. "Wrapping." Information Age Inquiry. Indiana University, 2005. Web. 11 Jan. 2011.
I think it is wonderful that you will have a presentation to show to your husband and son. What a great way to prepare them for the trip. I am so excited for you all! I think it is fantastic that you chose a Power Point Presentation. It is kind of a way to connect with something your son is doing in school. Great choice! I haven't heard of the website you shared, but I am definitely going to check it out. I really enjoyed this stage of the 8Ws as well. It was funny. As I was doing the project I was a little confused on where the 8Ws was going to take me. Now, as I am finishing up it all makes sense!
ReplyDeleteI also was unsure of the 8Ws and this journey, but it does all make sense. I think that it is so important to remember that an inquiry journey is a different experience for each researcher. Who knows, maybe our next inquiry will take a different path. I have learned so much!
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