how does curiosity fuel knowledge?

For this Construct module, picture books will provide the groundwork for exploration of a historical event or person. Picture books, though usually simple on the surface, can be a powerful way to introduce a topic because of their ability to meld words and images. You will choose a picture book to read and study, then dive into greater detail on topics or questions that arise from your study of the book.

Week overview: 

• Introduce: Read and discuss The Favershams
• Expose: Read a picture book - and annotate based on points of curiosity
• Practice: Choose elements related to your picture book topic to research in greater detail
• Create: Create an informative, question/answer poster about your topic
• Reflect: Reflect on your poster and topic

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essential questions

• How does curiosity fuel knowledge?
• How do we synthesize information from a variety of sources to present a topic in a logical, thoughtful way?

goals

• Students will understand that research is built on asking and answering questions; good research never ends because questions lead to answers, which lead to bigger questions.
• Students will understand that quality research cross-references multiple sources to gain a variety of perspectives and details.

c-tachs

Writing

• Gather relevant information for multiple print and digital sources; assessing the credibility and accuracy of each source; quote and paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism; use a standard form for citation

Reading

• Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media and formats in order to address a question or solve a problem

activities

INTRODUCE

• Read The Favershams
  • Christine will model inquiry process
• Review syllabus and expectations

EXPOSE

• Discuss inquiry process - asking questions, reading with curiosity in mind
• Review research resources
  • Google Scholar (returns academic results in a search)
  • SIRS Researcher (pro/con on current issues)
  • EBSCO Host (content from magazines and newspapers)
  • Using keywords intelligently

PRACTICE

• Choose a picture book to read
• Read from the lens of curiosity
  • Use post-it notes to identify questions you have (about the story, setting, or characters) and topics you'd like to know more about
• From all your notes, choose five topics to explore through research
• As you research, gather notes in a Google Doc - use an outline format - and share doc with Christine
  • How many resources should you have? However many you have so far, keep going ;) 

CREATE [DOK]

• Put together an informative poster that highlights the book you read, your curiosity post-it notes, and the topics you decided to explore. The poster should include six main elements (arranged however you wish, as long as it is intentional):
  • A picture of the book you read and a summary of the story (informative paragraph)
  • Your curiosity post-it notes from reading the book
  • Information on three topics you researched (of your five research topics, pick the three most interesting to you based on your findings) - a combination of images and text
  • An MLA-style bibliography (you can skip the in-text citations for the poster - just include the full citations somewhere)

REFLECT

• Self evaluate poster with poster scoring guide
• Conference with Christine​

resources

Picture Book Inquiry Syllabus
Poster scoring guide (rubric)