Researching and creating presentations in elementary school is incredibly important. It helps students develop valuable skills both in and out of the classroom. When planning a research project and determining how students will present their findings, consider several key elements.
Safety
One key aspect of researching in today’s world is learning how to use technology safely with the internet. Each year, it is crucial to teach students how to navigate the vast resources available online while being mindful of their digital footprint and privacy.
We must teach internet safety repeatedly, especially as new sites and applications are constantly created, and site blockers may not always keep up. One way to keep students safe is to have a folder full of “safe” sites for research. Additionally, maintaining a policy of “if you accidentally find something not school-appropriate, please show me—you won’t be in trouble” can help. Hiding it will more likely get students in trouble. Over the years, I’ve found that even the most innocent misspellings or topics can bring up unexpected results.
Developing Research Skills
To build strong research skills, teach students how to:
Evaluate Sources: Discuss the importance of using credible sources and how to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information.
Ask Questions: Encourage curiosity by helping them formulate questions about their topic.
Identify Keywords: Show them how to use keywords to search for information effectively.
Presentations
One engaging and effective way to incorporate research activities in the classroom is through the use of Keynote, PowerPoint, or Google Slides. I use Keynote because my students have 1-1 iPads, but any presentation tool can be used. Keynote is a versatile presentation tool that can be utilized to create interactive and visually appealing projects with minimal preparation. By guiding students to use Keynote for their research projects, teachers can keep students engaged.this blog post not to be confusing.
Core Content Connections
An exciting research area for elementary school students is the solar system. Researching the planets, the sun, and the scientists who study them enhances students’ knowledge of the world beyond Earth and helps them connect science concepts to real-world applications. Through solar system research, students can explore the wonders of space and gain a deeper appreciation for the scientific discoveries that shape our understanding of the universe.
To make research even more enjoyable for students, consider incorporating elements of fun such as finding jokes or riddles related to the research topic. Additionally, adding these fun elements can keep students more engaged and interested in their research projects. As a personal side note, going with the open and honest policy of internet safety, I encountered an unexpected issue when I created the joke/riddle requirement. Specifically, I didn’t think about a certain planet. I had a student come up to me on the first day of giving them research time to let me know there are no school-appropriate jokes for the planet Uranus. He came up with a riddle I could write on the board. Also, I ended up writing two more riddles for that planet for students to choose from.
Public Speaking Elements
Their presentations were terrific. They also got to work on their writing skills. They had to type up three facts and a joke/riddle for each planet. Also, I also required a picture or a drawing of each planet on each slide. I got permission from parents to share a few of their slides.
The special effects and transitions as they presented in front of the class were great. They learned how to speak up and why some special effects that are super slow aren’t the best. It was a great learning project. Students now ask to create presentations as early finisher activities.
Wrapping It Up
Researching and creating presentations in elementary school lays the foundation for developing critical thinking, information literacy, and digital skills that are essential in today’s knowledge-based society. By emphasizing the importance of safe internet use, utilizing tools like Keynote, exploring fascinating topics like the solar system, and infusing creativity through jokes and riddles, educators can inspire a love for research and learning in their students that will benefit them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Thank you for visiting! We hope these tips are helpful. Feel free to explore the resources mentioned, and happy teaching! Check out other blog posts like Weather Unit.
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