ALEX Learning Activity

In this learning activity, students will conduct a short research project using digital sources on a topic from a list of possible topics, to answer self-generated questions.  Students will then write curiosity questions, research the answers, and cite the sources.

This activity was created as a result of the ALEX Resource Development Summit.

Students will be able to:

• conduct short research projects by drawing on several digital sources
• locate and curate information from the digital sources to answer self-generated research questions.

Student Choice of Topics (cobra, mongoose, India, British Rule in India, Life in India in the late 1800s; deadly snakes in India; death by snakebite in India; muskrat, tailor birds; coppersmith bird; Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book)

Students will choose a topic from the list of possible topics.

Students will write five curiosity questions using the Curiosity Chart.

Students will research answers to their questions and cite sources of information using the Curiosity Chart.

Students will peer-assess using a Checklist.

Students will make corrections based on peer assessment.

The teacher will evaluate the curiosity research chart using a checklist rubric. 

Checklist

The teacher will provide a list of possible topics (digital or print) for the students to choose from.

The teacher will provide a Curiosity Chart (digital or print) for each student.

Students will need access to computers and the Internet.

Change the number of curiosity questions required for students who need accommodations.

Allow students to work with a partner.

This lesson could be adapted for 6th -12th students.

Extend the lesson by having students write an explanatory essay or create a multimedia project with the information.

This lesson could be used before reading “Rikki Tikki Tavi” to build background knowledge.

This lesson could be used after reading “Rikki Tikki Tavi” as an extension project.