Curriculum Connection

When looking back at my journey through the inquiry process, it becomes evident that this process can be applied to any grade level and used for many projects. Since I have taught fifth grade for five years I was immediately able to identify standards that connect with this inquiry process. Standard 5 in English and Language Arts asks students to write a research report using a variety of sources. The Webbing and Wiggling stages definitely lend itself to this type of project. Once the research report is done they could use their research to create an end product. Standard 7 in English and Language Arts requires the students to give an oral presentation. Whatever end product the students chose to create such as a video tape like I did could be presented in front of the class. I also think for this grade level it might be neat to have my students create their own BLOG to describe their research process. I think fifth graders would really get a kick out of it.

This process could also be bumped down to the first grade level. Standard 5 in English and Language Arts requires the students to write for different purposes or a specific audience. Students could write a letter to the principal asking for something they would like for the school. Lamb’s eight steps could be used to help guide the students through the process of deciding what should be purchased for the school. Even though the final product has already been chosen, the students can still work their way through the other parts of the 8 steps. The project could even be extended to a spoken presentation and would cover standard 7 in the English Language Arts Standards which requires first graders to use visual aides to present information. The principal could even be invited to listen to the presentations.