Citing Websites and Online Images

I have noticed that students in grades 5 and 6 understand why images and websites must be given credit while doing research and projects. I have found that students have had a difficult time using correct MLA citation format and locating all of the parts of a site that are important to cite.

This year, I decided to create some lessons with my student teacher Molly Hazelton to teach students the parts of a website, how to copy and paste, as well as places to find free use images (we used Creative Commons).


I first taught students how to site websites using the above table. We assigned students a partner and after modeling to the class and providing them a sample to use-- the students were assigned 4 websites to site using this sheet that had websites linked up.

The following day- students practiced independently in class using this sheet. Molly made a video for the students to review the skills they had been taught. After their first day of practice she looked at what students had trouble with, and highlighted those skills.

Students are understanding that they can't just take images off of the internet-- so it is working!

Podcasts With 3rd Grade

In 3rd grade students researched people that changed history. Our research process focused more on using a new type of resource (the online encyclopedia) as in second grade students had a lot of experience using books, ebooks, and databases (PebbleGo).

I first taught students what an encyclopedia was, and we did an encyclopedia scavenger hunt. Then students learned how to use the online Encyclopedia Britanica. Students practiced using the online encyclopedia with me to research Nelson Mandela. They also practiced looking up other history makers in the classroom.

The students then got to choose a history maker to research. In library they used the computers to research using the online encyclopedia.

For their final product, students wrote paragraphs about their famous person which they turned into podcasts made in Clips.  Students listened to podcasts and learned the communication skills needed to project their voice and to teach people about their topics.  Classes brainstormed what makes a good podcast and tried to incorporate an introduction and conclusion into their podcast research. Classes made titles to fit their class podcast. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot!

Mrs. Bros's Podcast - "Listen to Me"

Ms. Plana's Podcast - "What Did They Do?"

Mr. Hessler's Podcast - "Research Reputation"

Mr. Sweeny's Podcast 

2nd Grade Adventures

This year in 2nd grade, we learned research skills while studying different landmarks around the U.S.A. After researching many different places throughout the year, students picked one place and wrote about it.

We then used Green Screen Technology to "visit" the locations and report "live on location."  Students did all of the filming themselves, chose an online image and then used the app Green Screen by Do Ink to create their own on location video.

Check out our projects!

2 Anderson

2 Kath


2 Halvorson
How a Green Screen Works

Kindergarten Projects

In kindergarten students have been learning that non-fiction books give use information. Students have been learning about the biomes of Minnesota in their classes. In library, we practiced reading for information. We learned that researchers can use the pictures to help get facts. Reading pictures is one of the ways that we read books.

Students were each given a Minnesota animal to become experts on. In library they found out: What does my animal look like, what does it eat, and where does it live.

In class students then wrote about their animals and drew a picture. In library with lots of parent helpers (Yeah for HELPERS!), students then used Little Bird Tales to create an online report of their learning. We then had our grown-ups help us record our voices.

Click your child's class to see and hear what we learned! 
Make sure to TURN UP YOUR VOLUME!

Albert
Kong
Mohamed
Showalter
Tyrer