April/May 2018 Highlights

The bulk of the projects in the library during the months of April and May took on a distinctly environmental focus!  This was an excellent way to combine ELA skills with science concepts and awareness of current issues facing our world.

Library projects and events for April 2018.

Here are a few project highlights from the last few months:

Endangered Animals Project
Mrs. Feher's seventh grade students were the first group in the library in April.  The focus of their project was to learn about a particular endangered species, then dive into two problems leading to the endangered status of their animal.  Once students had learned about the problems facing their animals, they were able to use current information to research solutions to the problems.

This project required searching the library catalog for relevant materials, as well as the use of specific online databases and approved websites.  Students did an excellent job taking notes and recording their citations using Microsoft Word.  One of the best research days included a share out on what the students had learned about their animals!

Environmental Issues Project
Mrs. Gembka and Ms. Beauchamp both brought in their seventh grade ELA classes during April and May in order to complete the research portion of their environmental issues project.  This project challenged students to focus on an environmental topic, then research two problems and two solutions relating to their overarching topic.  The finished product included an essay, PowerPoint, and oral presentation.  Like Mrs. Feher's students, these students utilized library books, online databases, and other websites to gather information.  Gale's Opposing Viewpoints in Context and World Book's Living Green were particularly useful.

Infographics Project
May 2018 ended with a visit from Mr. Marshall's eighth grade ELA classes.  These students were taking part in an infographics project, which honed their research and visual literacy skills.  Using the Teen Health and Wellness database, students selected a topic of personal interest to serve as the focus of their infographic.  Many of these topics included school/life skills, as well as transitional topics such as preparing for high school and college. 

After compiling research from the database and outside websites, students used Microsoft Word to record their citations.  They were then directed to the Easelly infographics platform and began work on their creations!  I'm excited to see the finished products.

Library projects and events for May 2018.