Funding sponsored by:
www.qad.com
Click here to view the project resources.
Project Description: Teaching students to write research reports can be overwhelming. Using the excitement generated by Powerpoint and computers, the arduous task of writing a report is camouflaged and becomes motivating and energized.
How it works: Camouflage Writing will teach students to take notes to answer a set of guiding research questions from multiple print and online sources. Using this information, students will create a Powerpoint presentation to present their research in summarized format. It will them be transferred to a word processor where students will revise and edit into a 5 paragraph essay.
Assessment: Student work will be evaluated with two different rubrics: one for an oral presentation and one for writing.
Science Standards: Identify adaptations in physical structure or behavior that improve an organism's chance for survival.
Language Arts Standards:
- Oral Language--Communicate ideas orally that are organized chronologically or around major points of information using clear and specific vocabulary and appropriate visuals.
- Writing--Compare and contrast information on the same topic after reading several passages or articles. Create a multiple paragraph composition.
Technology Standards: Demonstrate basic keyboarding skills and familiarity with computer terminology.
Estimated Number of Class Periods for Students To Complete Unit: 4 Class Periods
What you need: Students should be introduced to research resources including trade books, print encyclopedias, electronic encyclopedias and Internet articles. In addition, they should have completed one Powerpoint project.
Software or Materials Used: This project requires traditional encyclopedias, trade books and an Internet connection.
Keywords: habitats, wild animals, biology
The Students: Students should be basic readers and writers and frontloading vocabulary techniques should be used for English Learners prior to starting the project.
Overall Value: Camouflage Writing encourages children to look for ways that animals camouflage themselves in their habitats. As soon as the children finish their Powerpoint presentation, they transfer their Outline to Word and begin the editing process to complete a five paragraph essay. Writing a research report is camouflaged in the technology processes of revising and editing.
Subject Area: Science/English
Grade Levels: Grades 3 - 8
Tips for the Teacher: Be sure to make notecards with complete sentences before allowing students to begin their Powerpoint presentation.
