Innovation Summit Boston 2016

Students need opportunities to develop research skills through inquiry based learning. This presentation shows teachers how students control their own learning by developing a STEAM research topic of interest. Students as young as third grade can learn research skills that will prepare them for the global world that awaits them. Using paper and pencil and transitioning to digital tools in Google Apps for Education students watch their skills grow and evolve each month. Starting with the Why Files in grade 3, teachers will learn explicit ways to teach their students how to research. Transitioning to Discovery Quests in grades 4/5 teachers will watch their students take the reins, including interactive components to their presentations. Teachers will leave with all the tools they need to work with their students in their classrooms. Resources for teaching students digital citizenship will also be shared as students need to know about copyright laws, fair use, and plagiarism at a young age. I would also love to bring students to discuss their work and the process, working with teachers to develop skills to use this project in their own classrooms. Teachers will try out this project on their own, taking on the role of the student.

This project was done with a variety of learners who all did not have access to technology at home. Strategies for how to help those students will also be offered. This project was also done in a classroom without Wi-Fi so a lot of hurdles will be discussed with humor. Teachers have to be innovative as well when planning project based learning activities for students! If you have any questions or need more information please do not hesitate to ask!