Summary
After completing our unit on Virginia’s native people, students chose a current Indian tribe of Virginia to research in self-selected groups. This correlates with VS.2g: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the physical geography and native peoples, past and present, of Virginia by identifying and locating the current state-recognized tribes. They found answers to given essential questions through the use of printed materials and online resources. They also came up with at least three additional questions that they felt would be beneficial to answer in their presentation. The students had the option to create a Keynote, iMovie, or website to compile their research. If they felt they could best present their research in another way, they were given the opportunity to submit their ideas to the teacher for approval. Using the digital tool of their choosing, students created a resource for other students to use in learning about these Virginia tribes. The projects were published on the class blog after completion.
TIPC Ratings
This project scores in the Developing range in Research & Information Fluency. Students were given questions to guide their research, but they also came up with their own questions. They were provided with several books to use if they chose to do so. While two websites were recommended, the students were also given time to use the search engine “Go Duck Go” to do their own searches.
This project scores in the Approaching range in Communication & Collaboration. Students were able to choose their own groups and the Indian tribe that they decided on together to research. They had a choice of three tools to compile their research. They also were required to do a reflection at the end of the project evaluating their involvement in the group and how the group worked together.
This project scores in the Developing range in Critical Thinking & Problem Solving. Students were expected to answer a set of questions to guide their research. If they choose to do so, they could also add additional information that they thought was of value. To inform others about the tribe they researched, they choose the product they felt would best help them communicate their findings.
This project scores in the Developing range in Creativity & Innovation. Students were asked to design a product that informs others about the tribe they researched. The teacher recommended three different types of products which they could choose from. However, if the students thought another way would help them better communicate their information, they could present it to the teacher to be approved.
Student Artifact
