Researching and creating presentations in elementary school is incredibly important. It helps students develop valuable skills in and out of the classroom. Several elements need to be considered when planning a research project and ways for students to present.
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.
Internet safety is something that has to be taught repeatedly! Especially as more sites and applications are created and site blockers are not always keeping up. One way I’ve taught my students to be safe is to have a folder full of “safe” sites for research. Also keeping the policy of “if you accidentally found something not school appropriate please show me you won’t be in trouble.” Hiding it will more likely get you in trouble. Some of the most incident misspellings and/or topics can bring up things I never thought it would in my 11 years of teaching.
Presentations
One engaging and effective way to incorporate research activities in the classroom is through the use of Keynote/Powerpoint/Google Slides. I used Keynote because my students are 1-1 iPads but any presentation tool can be used. I’ll be using keynote in this blog post not to be confusing.
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 the students engaged.
Core Content Connections
One 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 and 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, incorporate elements of fun such as finding jokes or riddles related to the research topic. Personal side note: going with the open and honest policy of internet safety when I created the joke/riddle requirement I didn’t think about a certain planet. I did have 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. But he had come up with a riddle I could write on the board. I ended up writing two more riddles for that planet on the board for students to choose from.
Public Speaking Elements
Their presentation were amazing. They also got to work on their writing skills. They had to type up their 3 facts and a joke/riddle for each planet. 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 was 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 finishers activities.
Wrapping It Up
Researching and creating presentations in elementary school lays the foundation for developing critical thinking. Including 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.
Another science blog post that might interest you is Weather Unit.
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