Standard: 4.W.7 – Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic.
Grade level: Grade 4
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Writing
Teacher Overview
This standard focuses on developing students’ ability to conduct short research projects. It is important because it helps students build knowledge through investigation, which is a critical skill for academic success and lifelong learning. Students should already know how to gather information from various sources, including books, articles, and websites. They should also be familiar with taking notes and summarizing information.
After mastering this standard, students will be able to conduct more complex and in-depth research projects, organize information effectively, create presentations, and properly cite sources.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that all information found online is accurate and reliable. This is incorrect because not all sources are credible, and students need to learn how to evaluate the reliability of information.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, teach students how to evaluate the credibility of sources by checking the author’s credentials, publication date, and cross-referencing with other reliable sources.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that copying and pasting information is acceptable as long as they include a citation. This is incorrect because it does not demonstrate understanding and can lead to issues with plagiarism.
Intervention 2
To remediate this misconception, explain the importance of paraphrasing and summarizing information in their own words to avoid plagiarism, and provide practice exercises to reinforce this skill.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should have basic understanding of how to gather information from various sources, including books, articles, and websites. They should also know how to take notes and summarize information.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering this standard, students will be able to conduct more complex and in-depth research projects. They will also develop skills in organizing information, creating presentations, and citing sources properly.
Instructional Activities
- Create a research project on a chosen topic and present findings to the class.
- Practice evaluating the credibility of different sources.
- Engage in paraphrasing and summarizing exercises.
- Develop a bibliography for a research project.
- Collaborate with peers on a group research project.
