2012-13 and 2013-14 Transitional Comprehensive Curriculum
Grade 4
English Language Arts
Unit 4: Research
Time Frame: Approximately four weeks
Unit Description
This unit focuses on locating, gathering, and interpreting information from a variety of
sources. Teachers guide students in choosing a topic and appropriate resources to complete a
research project. They assist students in reading, interpreting, and organizing information
from timelines, tables, graphs, charts, and maps. Through a series of mini-lessons, teachers
assist students in developing the necessary skills for each step of project development.
Student Understandings
Students gather, interpret, and organize information from a variety of media, reference, and
technological sources. They develop skill in evaluating information, taking notes, and writing
citations for references used. Students organize information and use available technology to
publish and present their projects to the class.
Guiding Questions
1. Can students determine which resources are appropriate for a specific purpose?
2. Can students locate, read, and interpret information on timelines, charts, graphs,
diagrams, schedules, tables, and maps?
3. Can students paraphrase information and take notes from multiple sources?
4. Can students produce a bibliography?
5. Can students use available technology to publish a variety of works?
Unit 4 Grade-Level Expectations (GLEs) and Common Core State Standards (CCSS)
GLE #
02.
03.
14a.
Grade-Level Expectations
GLE Text and Benchmarks
Determine the meaning of unfamiliar words using knowledge of word origins and
inflections (ELA-1-E1)
Determine word meanings, word choices, and pronunciations using a broad variety of
reference aids such as dictionaries, thesauruses, synonym finders, and reference
software (ELA-1-E1)
Demonstrate understanding of information in grade-appropriate texts by sequencing
events and steps in a process (ELA-7-E1)
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GLE #
14f.
19b.
19d.
22.
23a.
23b.
23c.
23d.
23e.
23f.
23g.
24.
26a.
26b.
26c
31a.
31b.
31c.
31d.
GLE Text and Benchmarks
Demonstrate understanding of information in grade-appropriate texts by identifying
stated main ideas and supporting details (ELA-7-E1)
Demonstrate understanding of information in grade-appropriate texts by skimming
and scanning texts for various purposes (e.g., locating information, verifying facts)
(ELA-7-E4)
Demonstrate understanding of information in grade-appropriate texts by generating
questions to guide examination of topics in texts and real-life situations (ELA-7-E4)
Identify an audience for a specific writing assignment and select appropriate
vocabulary, details, and information to create a tone or set the mood and to affect or
manipulate the intended audience (ELA-2-E2)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including selecting topic and form (ELA-2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including prewriting (e.g., brainstorming, researching, raising questions,
generating graphic organizers) (ELA-2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including drafting (ELA-2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including conferencing with peers and teachers (ELA-2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including revising based on feedback and use of various tools (e.g., LEAP
21 Writer’s Checklist, rubrics) (ELA- 2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including proofreading/editing (ELA-2-E3)
Develop grade-appropriate compositions by identifying and applying writing
processes, including publishing using available technology (ELA-2-E3)
Develop paragraphs and compositions of at least three paragraphs using the various
modes (i.e., description, narration, exposition, and persuasion), emphasizing narration
and description (ELA-2-E4)
Write for various purposes, including formal and informal letters that follow a
specific letter format, include relevant information, and use an appropriate closure
(ELA-2-E6)
Write for various purposes, including informational reports that include facts and
examples and that present important details in a logical order (ELA-2-E6)
Write for various purposes, including book reports that include an opinion and/or a
persuasive viewpoint (ELA-2-E6)
Apply knowledge of parts of speech in writing, including selecting and using
common interjections (ELA-3-E4)
Apply knowledge of parts of speech in writing, including identifying and using
transitive and intransitive verbs correctly (ELA-3-E4)
Apply knowledge of parts of speech in writing, including identifying and using verb
tenses correctly, including present perfect, past perfect, and future perfect (ELA-3E4)
Apply knowledge of parts of speech in writing, including using grade-appropriate
irregular verb tenses correctly (ELA-3-E4)
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GLE #
32.
34.
36a.
36b.
36c.
38.
41a.
41b.
43a.
43b.
43c.
43d.
43e.
43f.
43g.
44.
46.
48.
GLE Text and Benchmarks
Use knowledge of root words, affixes, and syllable constructions to spell words
(ELA-3-E5)
Adjust pacing to suit purpose, audience, and setting when speaking (ELA-4-E1)
Deliver presentations that include information drawn from several sources and
identification of the source (ELA-4-E-4)
Deliver presentations that include effective introductions and conclusions
(ELA-4-E-4)
Deliver presentations that include details, examples, anecdotes, or statistics that
explain or clarify information (ELA-4-E-4)
Adjust speaking content according to the needs of the audience (ELA-4-E5)
Locate information using organizational features of a variety of resources, including
electronic information such as keyword searches, passwords, and entry menu features
(ELA-5-E1)
Locate information using organizational features of a variety of resources, including
print materials such as indices, glossaries, table of contents, title pages, and map
legends (ELA-5-E1)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
library and online databases (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
electronic reference works (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
Internet information (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
community and government data (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
interviews (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
experiments (ELA-5-E2)
Evaluate the usefulness of information selected from multiple sources, including
surveys (ELA-5-E2)
Use keywords and phrases to take notes from oral, written, and electronic media
sources (ELA-5-E3)
Construct simple outlines with main topics and subtopics that reflect the information
gathered (ELA-5-E3)
Create a list of sources (e.g., books, encyclopedias, online resources) following a
specified format (ELA-5-E5)
ELA CCSS
CCSS #
Common Core State Standard Text
Reading Standards for Literature
RL.4.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas,
and poetry, in the grades 4-5 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as
needed at the high end of the range.
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CCSS #
Common Core State Standard Text
Reading Standards for Informational Text
RI.4.8
Explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points in a
text.
RI.4.9
Integrate information from two texts on the same topic in order to write or speak
about the subject knowledgably.
RI.4.10
By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts, including
history/social studies, science, and technical texts, in the grades 4-5 text complexity
band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.
Reading Standards: Foundational Skills
RF.4.3a
Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.
a. Use combined knowledge of all letter-sound correspondences,
syllabication patterns, and morphology (e.g., roots and affixes) to
read accurately unfamiliar multisyllabic words in context and out of
context.
RF.4.4a
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
a. Read on-level text with purpose and understanding.
RF.4.4c
Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.
c. Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and
understanding, rereading as necessary.
Writing Standards
W.4.2a
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly.
a. Introduce a topic clearly and group related information in paragraphs
and sections; include formatting (e.g., headings), illustrations, and
multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.
W.4.2b
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly.
b. Develop the topic with facts, definitions, concrete details, quotations, or
other information and examples related to the topic.
W.4.2d
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly.
d. Use precise language and domain-specific vocabulary to inform about or
explain the topic.
W.4.2e
Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and
information clearly.
e. Provide a concluding statement or section related to the information or
explanation presented.
W.4.6
With some guidance and support from adults, use technology, including the
Internet, to produce and publish writing as well as to interact and collaborate with
others; demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum
of one page in a single sitting.
W.4.7
Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of
different aspects of a topic.
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CCSS #
Common Core State Standard Text
Writing Standards
W.4.10
Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and
revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of
discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Language Standards
L.4.3a
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening.
a. Choose words and phrases to convey ideas precisely.
L.4.3c
Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or
listening.
c. Differentiate between context that call for formal English (e.g.,
presenting ideas) and situations where informal discourse is
appropriate (e.g., small-group discussion)
L.4.4a
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and
phrases based on grade 4 reading and context, choosing flexibly from a range of
strategies.
a. Use context (e.g., definitions, examples, or restatements in text) as a
clue to the meaning of a word or phrase.
Speaking and Listening Standards
SL.4.5
Add audio recordings and visual displays to presentations when appropriate to
enhance the development of main ideas or themes.
Sample Activities
Activities 1-7 are ongoing throughout the curriculum.
Activity 1: Silent Sustained Reading and Guided Reading (Ongoing throughout
curriculum) (CCSS: RL.4.10, RI.4.10, RF.4.3a, RF.4.4a, RF.4.4c)
Materials List: a wide variety of trade books, non-fiction, classroom sets, and chapter books at
various reading levels, student library books
Reserve a specific amount of time every day for Silent Sustained Reading. This reading time
should supplement the standard reading program by encouraging students to read independently.
This time also provides an opportunity for students to read according to a variety of student
interests and abilities. This daily reading time should not take the place of regular guided reading
instruction.
Teachers will discuss with students that reading skills are improved and fluency goals best met
when the students choose texts that are not too easy and not too difficult. Usually students can
tell immediately if the text is too easy or too difficult. The five-finger rule is helpful in teaching
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students to check if the reading level is right for them. Have students open to any page in the
book and read the page (aloud if possible). Students should put one finger up for every word that
cannot be pronounced. If a student puts up five fingers while reading one page, the book is too
difficult.
Guided reading instruction should take place daily. Provide instant feedback to students to
confirm and self-correct word recognition and understanding of unfamiliar multisyllabic words
in context. Have students re-read passages until both recognition and understanding are
achieved. Continually probe and question students throughout the process to address new
strategies and skills as well as individual deficits, and have students respond to those probes and
questions orally and in short written responses while providing teacher scaffolding. Each student
should meet in guided reading groups weekly. However, provide struggling students with more
time in guided reading intervention groups. A variety of texts should be provided including
nonfiction and technical texts.
Activity 2: Vocabulary Activities (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (GLEs: 02, 03)
Materials List: 3 x 5 or 5 x 7 index cards, pictures or video clips, index cards, colored
pencils/markers/crayons, Vocabulary Self-Awareness Chart BLM, dictionaries, thesauruses,
glossaries
Use a variety of vocabulary-building activities throughout the year to help students gain meaning
of words from unfamiliar texts through application of context clues and determination of base
word meanings. These strategies will be repeated, built upon, and ongoing. Assess student
understanding of vocabulary either formally (written tests) or informally (writing stories, poems,
or sentences using the vocabulary words, etc.)
Choose from these activities to reinforce weekly vocabulary comprehension. Students may use
dictionaries, thesauruses, and/or glossaries to assist with the activities. It is not necessary to use
every activity.
Vocabulary Cards Activity
Have students create vocabulary cards (view literacy strategy descriptions) related to words in
the stories they are reading. Give each student an index card and a word from the story. Have
students write the word (or a sentence using the word) on the front and the definition on the back
(Have these ready before class to save time). Give each student one vocabulary card. Say,
“Stand up, hands up, and pair up.” Students will walk around the room and find a partner.
Students will hold up their cards, and the partner they are paired with will state the definition. If
the partner does not know it, the student may give hints or use the word in a sentence. After two
chances the student should show the definition to the partner, who turns to hold up his/her
vocabulary card and asks for the definition. When the two students are finished, they trade
cards. Then, say,” Stand up, hands up, and pair up” again, and have students find a new partner
and repeat the process.
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Illustrate the Word Activity
Show pictures or video clips that demonstrate the meaning of a word. Give students a list of the
vocabulary and instruct them to draw and label a picture illustrating the meaning of the words
from the story. This activity is not limited to concrete nouns—for example, a grim expression.
The labels explain how the word and drawing fit. Drawing skills are not important; stick figures
with accurate labels can succinctly express an idea as much as a well-drawn picture. The student
should not replace an abstract idea with a concrete example of it. The vocabulary cards above
can also be used to illustrate the definition of the words. After learning the word meanings,
students can also play a Pictionary or charades style game to practice and reinforce vocabulary
meanings.
Vocabulary Self-Awareness Activity
Before reading a story, give students a list of vocabulary words and direct them to complete a
vocabulary self-awareness chart (view literacy strategy descriptions) to determine their
knowledge of the words. Do not give students definitions or examples at this stage. Prompt
them to rate their understanding of each word with either a “+” (understand well), a “?” (limited
understanding or unsure), or a “—” (don’t know) and add definitions and sentences as best they
can at this stage. After reading the story and exposing the students to context clues and other
information, have them return to the chart to make revisions and add new information to it. The
goal is to replace all check marks and minus signs with plus signs. Give the students many
opportunities to revisit their vocabulary charts to revise their entries.
Vocabulary Self-Awareness Chart
+ ? -- Definition
Word
Author
+
The writer of a book,
article, or other text.
Paraphrase
+
A restatement of a text or
passage in another form or
other words, often to clarify
meaning.
Sentence/Example
Who is the author of that
book?
Please paraphrase the
article.
2013-2014
Activity 3: Vocabulary Activities (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (CCSS: L.4.4a)
Materials List: 3 x 5 or 5 x 7 index cards, pictures or video clips, index cards, colored
pencils/markers/crayons, Vocabulary Self-Awareness Chart BLM
Activity 3 is an extension of Activity 2. In 2013-2014, add the following extensions to address
the added transitional material:
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Vocabulary Cards Activity
Students create vocabulary cards (view literacy strategy descriptions) related to words in the
stories they are reading. Demonstrate how to create the vocabulary cards first. The cards should
include the word on one side of the card. On the other side, the word should be repeated in the
middle. Place the definition on the upper left hand corner, the part of speech on the upper right
hand corner, a sentence using the word on the lower left hand corner, and an illustration on the
lower right hand corner. For words with multiple meanings, have the students complete the
vocabulary card activity on both sides of the card representing one meaning on one side and the
other meaning on the other side.
Example of a vocabulary card:
Definition:
Part of Speech:
VOCABULARY
WORD
Sentence:
Illustration:
Games can be played with these vocabulary cards for reinforcement. For example, say, “Stand
up, hands up, and pair up.” Students will walk around the room and find a partner. Students will
announce their word to a partner who will state the definition. If the partner does not know it,
the student may give hints or use the word in a sentence. After two chances, the student should
show the definition. Then the partner turns to hold up his/her vocabulary card and asks for the
definition. When the two students are finished, they trade cards. After allowing a reasonable
amount of time for partners to identify definitions, say, “Stand up, hands up, and pair up” again,
and students will find new partners.
A modified version of this activity can be conducted with multiple-meaning words. However,
instead of stating one meaning, the students would be expected to give both meanings of the
word.
Illustrate the Word Activity
Show pictures or video clips that demonstrate the meaning of a word. Give students a list of the
vocabulary they will use to draw and label pictures illustrating the meaning of the words from
the story. This activity is not limited to concrete nouns—for example, a grim expression. The
labels should explain how the word and drawing relate. Drawing skills are not important; stick
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figures with accurate labels can succinctly express an idea as much as a well-drawn picture. The
student should not replace an abstract idea with a concrete example of it. The vocabulary cards
above can also be used to illustrate the definition of the words. Multiple-meaning words can be
illustrated multiple times. After learning the word meanings, students can also play a Pictionary
or charades-style game to reinforce vocabulary meanings.
Vocabulary Self-Awareness Activity
This will be the same as in Activity 2.
Activity 4: Spelling Activities (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (GLE: 32; CCSS:
RF.4.3a)
Materials List: weekly spelling lists that include appropriate grade-level words, 20 Ways to
Practice Spelling BLM
Provide students with ample opportunities to practice spellings and basic recognition of gradeappropriate words with common syllabication patterns, phonetic patterns, and roots and affixes.
This ongoing study should encourage and develop grade-level phonetic and word decoding
skills.
Students can practice spelling patterns in a variety of ways through the use of the 20 Ways to
Practice Spelling BLM. Particular activities may be assigned each week, or students may be
given the freedom to choose one activity from each level. However, emphasize the importance
of choosing activities that require students to practice syllabication, spelling patterns, and
phonetic awareness. Allow students to have some freedom to choose activities that are more fun
but perhaps require one specific activity that is more skill based each week. At times, it may be
necessary to choose the activity from the skill-based or word-meaning sections based on class
needs.
When practicing a specific spelling skill, add or manipulate activities to match the content. For
example, when studying words with silent letters, have students write the words and circle the
letters that are not pronounced.
Activity 5: Daily Language (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (GLEs: 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d)
Materials List: daily sentences that are to be edited, printed copies for each student, transparency
copy for use as a class
The Everyday Edits can be used in many ways. Here is one possible procedure:


Copy the daily edit passage onto a transparency. As students return from recess or lunch,
hand them a copy of the passage and instruct them to settle into finding the ten errors of
capitalization, punctuation, or grammar included in that passage.
Give students 5 minutes or so to find and mark ten errors in the passage.
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

Divide the class into two or more teams. The teams established in this way will be
“permanent teams” (for at least a month). Start with one team and ask a student on that
team to identify an error in the passage. When a student correctly identifies one of the ten
errors in that day's passage, award a point to the team. Then give the other team(s) a
chance to identify an error. Go back and forth until all ten errors have been found in that
day's passage. (Students might even find additional errors in a daily passage. Also, give
credit if a team offers an idea that would improve the passage.)
Keep score over the course of a month and award a special treat (an ice pop, a homeworkfree-night coupon, or something else that students will value) to members of the team that
has the highest score at the end of the month. The makeup of the teams may be changed
for the following month.
Be sure to include sentences that have errors with interjections, transitive and intransitive verbs,
irregular verb tenses, and present, past, future, and perfect verb tenses.
Activity 6: Daily Writing Activities (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (GLEs: 22, 23a, 23b,
23c, 24, 26a, 26b, 26c)
Materials List: journal, pencil
Have students keep a daily journal. Writing in the journal can include any or all of the writing
processes that are addressed in unit 2 including pre-writing, drafting, revising, editing, and/or
publishing. Give students some autonomy with daily journal writing, and allow them to identify
their own audience and determine their own tone and mood. This should be more of an
exploratory activity rather than a structured, modeled writing lesson. Daily writing activities
should cover a broad range of writing styles which include but are not limited to the following
list:
Narratives: daily journal prompts, picture prompts (Use pictures to create a story.), word wall or
spelling activities, story starters, Round Robin Writing (Students create and add to stories as they
are passed around.)
Expository: descriptions, how-to papers
Informational: biographies, autobiographies, brief reports on a topic
Response to Fiction: story summaries, character analyses, story responses
(respond to reading story or trade book)
Response to Nonfiction: responses to news articles, current event summaries, summaries of
nonfiction texts, responses to non-fiction articles, books, or digital sources
Letters: pen pals (write to another class), business letters, letters to the principal
Express an Opinion: argumentative responses to a topic, letters to the editor
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Other: daily news (write about things that happened at school that day), poetry, comic strips (fill
in what the characters are saying), greeting cards, want ads, advertisements, directions
A website for writing prompts is located at http://www.canteach.ca/elementary/prompts.html.
2013-2014
Activity 7: Daily Writing Activities (Ongoing throughout curriculum) (CCSS: W.4.10)
Materials List: My Writing Inventory BLM
Activity 7 is an extension of Activity 6. In 2013-2014, add the following extensions to address
the added transitional material:
Have students keep track of their writing progress on the My Writing Inventory BLM. Students
should include all of their daily writing activities from Activity 6 as well as all of their
significant writing assignments derived from the remaining activities. Students should determine
whether their writing is a “short time frame piece” or an “extended time frame piece.” Facilitate
a discussion to determine the difference between these two terms. Students should also identify
their purpose for writing on the BLM. Purposes for writing may include, but are not limited to
narration, (entertainment), description, information, explanation, persuasion, expressing an
opinion, reflection, or analysis. Students should also use the BLM to identify the stages of the
writing process that were completed.
Over the course of the year, impress upon students that it is not necessary that each writing piece
go through all stages of the writing process. For example, explain to students that reflection may
only require drafting. Not every piece of writing is intended for publishing.
Activity 8: Start with the End in Mind (CCSS: RI.4.8, W.4.2a, W.4.2b, W.4.2d, W.4.2e)
Materials List: sample research papers from other classes or previous years, access to the
Internet and printer, transparencies and projector or projection system, journals, Sample
Research Report Rubric BLM, Sample 4th Grade Research Reports BLMs
Show the class a model of an exemplary research report, book report, or other published work on
transparencies or via a projection system. This sample may be an online sample, a sample from
a student from another class, or a sample from a previous year. Some acceptable samples can be
found on the Sample 4th Grade Research Reports BLM or on the following websites:
http://thewritesource.com/studentmodels/we-deer.htm
http://thewritesource.com/studentmodels/we-corgi.htm
http://www.empoweringwriters.com/staticpage/node/1/student-writing-samples-expository-andpersuasive
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Guide students to notice the structure of the assignment. Highlight or make note of useful
features used in the model. Some possible questions to consider can include but are not limited
to the following:










How does the author “hook” the reader/viewer?
How is the work organized, and what are its features?
How many paragraphs are used?
Does each paragraph address a new idea?
How many different ideas are addressed?
How many supporting details are given for each different idea?
How does the author summarize important ideas and concepts?
What kind of evidence or reasons does the author provide?
How does the author sequence the information?
How does the author conclude the report?
Place the list of desired questions to consider where all students can view them. Then, give pairs
of students various model reports. Use the discussion (view literacy strategy descriptions),
specifically Think-Pair-Square-Share, to encourage student exploration of the reports. This
discussion will improve student understanding of what an acceptable report looks like and create
a more solid understanding of what will be expected of them in the upcoming activities.
Next, instruct students to read through their model reports with their partners, then independently
take a few notes in their journals, specifically noting the useful features of the reports, and
answer the list of questions. Direct students to share their thoughts and findings with their
partner, discuss the positive qualities of the report together, and add new findings to their journal
notes.
Then have the pair of students join with another pair to form a small group. Monitor as the
students share briefly what they have discovered and found useful about their report models.
Finally, guide students in constructing a class research report rubric based on the effective
features and elements of the model reports identified in their discussions and note taking in
journals. Also use the Sample Research Report Rubric BLM as a model.
Activity 9: Begin with an Interest (GLEs: 14a, 19d, 23a, 23b, 43a, 43b, 43c, 43d, 43e, 43f,
43g; CCSS: W.4.7)
Materials List: blank wall chart, KWL Chart BLM
Model how to conduct a research project with a focused topic. Post a chart to track the stages of
the project including the following:



Defining the topic
Developing guiding questions
Selecting resources
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




Recording information/taking notes
Organizing information via outline
Presenting information in report format
Constructing bibliography of sources
Evaluating work
Clarify the scope of the project, and suggest a timeline for each step. Post the timeline alongside
the class chart of research stages. Give students guidelines for topic selection, and have them
begin to investigate a content area or a topic of genuine interest. Guide students through the
process of brainstorming questions about their topic.
Before beginning research, require each student to determine two or three key questions worth
investigating using the KWL Chart BLM graphic organizer (view literacy strategy descriptions).
This KWL chart will allow students to begin developing possible areas of interest for their
research topics. Explain that they can choose something they already know about to research,
but that they should explore and investigate the topic and choose one unfamiliar component as
focus of their research.
Information that students already know about this topic should be placed in the “K” or “Know”
column. Questions that students have about this particular topic should be placed in the “W” or
“Want” column.
Then, assist students in exploring resources, such as the library and online databases, the
Internet, community and government data, interviews, experiments, surveys, reference books,
etc. This exploratory phase helps students generate ideas and pinpoint the focus of the project
and also establishes a starting point for gathering information.
After examining various sources, have students fill in the “L” or “Learned” column of their
KWL chart to include any new information or answers to questions they may have had prior to
the source exploration. Explain to students that at this point they can choose this new
information to investigate further and to develop more content specific questions on, or they may
choose to investigate a new topic based on what they have discovered.
Activity 10: Self-Selected Topics to Research (GLEs: 19d, 23a, 23b, 23d, 44, 48; CCSS:
W.4.7)
Materials list: ISP Chart—Graphic Organizer BLM, research folder
Having explored an area of interest with a variety of resources, students should have the
background knowledge necessary to define a research task. As students begin the research
process, model how to narrow a topic, brainstorm a list of key words, generate a list of
approximately three to five guiding questions to investigate, and make a list of possible
resources. Coach students on choosing the most effective sources, beginning with broader
sources and then progressing to more specific ones. Remind students to choose only the sources
which will provide information that specifically addresses the guiding questions they have
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chosen. Require students to use a minimum of three sources for their research.
Graphic organizers (view literacy strategy descriptions) can be used to organize thoughts and
information. Since this is such a large task, graphic organizers will help students to create a
visual and simplify the large quantities of information they will encounter. For example, a word
web can be created to identify key words to research and serve as a spring board. A chart such
as the ISP Chart—Graphic Organizer BLM can be used for organizing findings from each
source. This will help later on when preparing a bibliography. Give students a research folder in
which to organize all documents they will create throughout this unit including the graphic
organizers, notes, outline, rough draft, and bibliography.
Hold conferences with each student to make sure the pre-research steps have been completed and
to set goals for the use of time and resources. Before officially beginning the “information
stages” of the project, require students to identify the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
A project title/topic
A list of related key words or phrases to research
A preliminary list of resources to be used
A list of guiding questions to investigate
Activity 11: Divide and Conquer (GLEs: 14f, 41b, 43a, 43c, 44, 46; CCSS: RI.4.9, W.4.7)
Materials List: research folder, overhead projector, transparency with a sample encyclopedia
page
Explain to students that they will be taking notes in preparation for writing their research papers.
Discuss the importance of using relevant information from texts while expressing that
information in their own words. Model the steps below to practice this process with the class:
1. Use a table of contents or index to locate information regarding the topic.
2. Skim for key words and read the passage or “chunk” of information.
3. Close the text and think about what was read.
4. Record notes about the information, paraphrasing the main ideas.
5. Check the notes by comparing to the text.
Then, have students choose one reference text and participate in a closed-book-note-taking
lesson in which they practice the above process independently. Monitor and assist as needed.
For students who are having trouble recalling facts with this closed-book method, use GISTing
(view literacy strategy descriptions). This strategy assists students in selecting an appropriate
amount of information to include in a summary instead of choosing too little or too much.
GISTing requires students to limit a summary to a specific, predetermined number of words so
that they think about and include only the most important information.
GISTing should have been practiced in Activity 8 of Unit 3, so the term and process should be
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familiar. Students should be encouraged to GIST only the most relevant paragraphs from a
source. Establish a predetermined number of words to be used in each paragraph, for example,
15 words. Model GISTing with the first paragraph of a non-fiction selection. Mark off 15
spaces on a visual for all students to see. Read the first sentence of the paragraph and use no
more than the fifteen words to summarize that sentence. Include only the most important
information. It is not necessary to use all 15 spaces if they are not needed. Then, read the
second sentence and rewrite the gist statement by combining information from the first and
second sentences. Once again, only use the allowed 15 spaces. Continue this process by
rewriting the gist statement with each additional sentence in the paragraph. For example, if the
paragraph has 5 sentences, then by the completion of the GISTing process, there should be 5 gist
statements. None of the statements should exceed the 15 spaces, and the last sentence should
include the most important information from all 5 sentences. A sample GIST can be found in
Unit 3, Activity 8.
Throughout the GISTing process, guide students to become more independent, and help them to
GIST a paragraph without GISTing each sentence. One gist per paragraph is adequate as long as
only the most important words are being included. After GISTing each paragraph of the text, the
sentences can be combined to create a summary paragraph that summarizes the entire passage.
After students have become more confident with paraphrasing, begin the note-taking stage of the
research. One helpful strategy for note taking is the split-page notetaking (view literacy strategy
descriptions). Split-page notetaking helps organize important information gained from reading
text selections. Students write a topic on one-third of the page and specific supporting
information on the other two-thirds of the page. For example:
Topic: Dinosaurs


Ankylosauria
Tyrannosaurus Rex


Notes about the topic
was an "armored dinosaur"
They are first known to have appeared in the
early Jurassic Period of China, and persisted
until the end of the Cretaceous Period.
the largest meat-eating dinosaur
walked on two powerful legs
Also, demonstrate for students how split-page notetaking contributes to effective review by
covering one column and using the information in the other to recall the covered information.
Encourage students to use the closed-book-note-taking strategy and/or GISTing to complete their
split-page notetaking instead of copying directly from sources. During the split-page notetaking
process, guide students through recording information that addresses all of their guiding
questions. It may be necessary to adjust or change guiding questions based on the information
that students are able or unable to locate.
Use the customized mini-lessons found below, continuous feedback, small group assistance, and
individual conferencing throughout this notetaking process to craft an outline, draft the research
paper, and write a bibliography. Explain that notetaking is an ongoing process and that their
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notes are never a “finished” document. Throughout the project, students should add to and
adjust their notes accordingly while going through the phases of outlining and drafting.
Activity 12: Mini-lessons Customized (GLEs: 19b, 41a, 41b, 43a, 43b, 43c, 46, 48; CCSS:
RI.4.9, W.4.7)
Materials List: research folder, Information for Bibliography BLM
In a series of mini-lessons, guide students through the research process by conducting daily
whole-class lessons on topics including the following:
 Using the computer as a research tool
 Skimming and scanning for information
 Evaluating usefulness of resources
 Organizing information in outline format
 Preparing a bibliography
Work with students individually as questions requiring these skills arise. As the class begins the
research process, use the hands-on experience to help students develop necessary skills,
including using an index, glossary, table of contents, or title page, reading
charts/graphs/tables/diagrams, and selecting relevant information from a variety of sources from
libraries, online databases, electronic searches, and the internet. It is essential to provide students
with step-by-step instructions for completing each research task. Continue to monitor student
progress and confer with them as needed during each stage of the project.
Activity 13: Publish and Present (GLEs: 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 23g, 34, 36a, 36b, 36c, 38;
CCSS: RI.4.9, W.4.2a, W.4.2b, W.4.2d, W.4.2e, W.4.7)
Materials List: research folder, Information for Bibliography BLM, Sample Research Report
Rubric BLM from Activity 8, LEAP-21 Writer’s Checklist BLM (see Unit 1 BLMs)
Students use their outlines to draft a report that includes notes compiled from a variety of
resources. Distribute and explain the Information for Bibliography BLM, the LEAP-21 Writer’s
Checklist BLM, and the Sample Research Report Rubric BLM from activity 8. These should be
used as tools to help students assess the organization and content of their reports and
bibliographies.
Rough drafts should be self-assessed and peer edited. Conference with individual students and
provide feedback in regard to the quality of content and readability. It is essential to incorporate
revising/editing/proofreading strategies from Unit 2, Activity 17 during all three stages (self,
peer, and teacher editing). Students should each have at least two peers proofread their work.
Once the list of references is finalized, require students to submit a formal bibliography for
approval. (Refer to the MLA format). Bibliographies are to include only those references from
which the student has taken relevant notes and must follow the specified format.
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A more detailed description for MLA format can be accessed at
http://www.amersol.edu.pe/hs/english/mla.asp.
Edit for errors and return to the student for revision. Require students to make corrections and
complete final drafts of their reports and bind them along with accompanying bibliography
and/or visuals. Then instruct students to prepare to present reports to the class. Discuss with
each student how the report can be shared most effectively with the class. Individual students can
decide whether visual aids (e.g., props, posters, charts, PowerPoint®, etc.) would be appropriate
to accompany their oral presentations.
2013-2014
Activity 14: Publish and Present (GLEs: 23c, 23d, 23e, 23f, 34, 36a, 36b, 36c; CCSS:
RI.4.9, W.4.2a, W.4.2b, W.4.2d, W.4.2e, W.4.6, W.4.7, SL.4.5, L.4.3a, L.4.3c)
Materials List: research folder, Information for Bibliography BLM, Sample Research Report
Rubric BLM from Activity 5, LEAP-21 Writer’s Checklist BLM (see Unit 1 BLMs),
presentation software, projection system, audio and video recording technology
Activity 14 is an extension of Activity 13. In 2013-2014, add the following extensions to
address the added transitional material:
Direct students to focus attention on the presentation of reports. Require that reports be
published or presented using some form of technology such as word processing, a video, or a
slideshow. Require students to select vocabulary for effectiveness and include an introduction
that will capture the audience’s attention and a conclusion that will sum up the report. In
addition to the visual aids, assist students in locating audio recordings, audio clips or recorded
interviews to enhance presentations. Remind students to include information from all of their
sources and to provide specific details and examples to clarify and explain their ideas.
Prior to the presentations, guide students through making a list of what they consider to be the
most important speaking and listening skills. Then, have students construct a class rubric that
reflects their speaking/listening goals. This rubric should include information about listening and
audience participation etiquette, as well as speaking and overall presentation skills. Finally, have
students present reports based on their research and receive feedback via the class rubric.
Sample Assessments
General Guidelines
Use a variety of performance assessments to determine student understanding of content. Select
assessments that are consistent with the type of product that results from the student activities
and develop a scoring rubric collaboratively with other teachers or students. The following are
samples of assessments that could be used for this unit:
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General Assessments




Monitor student progress during the research and writing process by providing time for
writers’ conferences to give students feedback about their notes, drafts, and time
management.
Have students maintain research files to keep track of notes, references/bibliographical
information, and rough drafts. Check files periodically to ensure that each student is
proceeding with research and note taking in a timely manner.
Have students keep a list of new unfamiliar vocabulary words encountered during
reading. They define each word and share the list during writing conferences.
Provide graphic organizers (see example ISP Chart—Graphic Organizer BLM) that help
students categorize notes and use guiding questions to formulate an outline. Use these
charts to determine when students are ready to move to the next phase of research/report
writing. Observe students’ skills in using the organizational features of sources such as
electronic information (keyword searches, passwords, entry-menu features, links) and
encyclopedias and reference sets (e.g., table of contents, indices, map legends, etc.).
Activity-Specific Assessments

Activity 10: Assess whether each student-selected topic is too broad or too narrow to
produce a beneficial research experience. Provide verbal approval of the list of key
words, references, and guiding questions for each individual student before research
begins.

Activity 11: Show students an overhead transparency with a sample page from an
encyclopedia. Ask students to read a paragraph (“chunking the information”) silently and
then paraphrase the information after the projector is turned off. Require students to read
their notes aloud, and determine (with input from the class) whether students have
summarized the passage in their own words.

Activity 13 and 14: Use the presentation rubric designed by students (with guidance) in
Activity 8 to score the student’s final presentation. The rubric should also have a space
for written commentary about student work during project development. Students should
also submit a formal bibliography (see Information for Bibliography BLM) for approval.
Bibliographies are to include only those references from which the student has taken
relevant notes and must follow the specified format. Edit for errors and return to the
student for revision.
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