3rd
and 6th grades
In Mt. View's library, the 3rd and 6th graders come together
to learn about Washington’s three National Parks: Mt. Rainier, North Cascades,
and the Olympics. The structure for this unit is called the "Big 6"©
Research Process: 6 steps to guide students along in a process of learning.
Week one:
- Each student chooses a park they want to know more about.
- 3rd/6th grade peer-learning partnership is formed. For example:
a 3rd grader who chooses the Olympic National Park is paired with a 6th grader
who chooses the same.
- They embark on a guided study with the older student assisting
the younger each step of the way.
- Together each pair plans a camping trip to that park. (Pretend
trip - but who knows?)
- Third graders learn about park rules, necessary gear, and create
a postcard about their “trip”.
Week two:
- 6th graders alone dive deeper, focusing on their same park. In
teams of two, they gather information. Research culminates in
writing a “Journey Journal” filled with gathered info and images.
- The primary goal is to use the Big 6© to plan a trip, learn
research skills and have fun doing so.
- Another goal is to learn about the National Park System, specific
flora and fauna, and campsites.
- We have a great time sharing the wild and wonderful camping trips
on the last day.
While
discovering facts about National Parks in Washington and using the "Big
6"© Research Process to do so, all the students learn something more
close to home. They learn that sharing and helping each other learn, builds
empathy with others and an appreciation of protected areas.
The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert
E.
Berkowitz. For more information, visit: http://www.big6.com
Visit the websites below to learn more:
Olympic National Park
http://www.northolympic.com/onp/index.html
http://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm
Mt. Rainier National Park
http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
North Cascades National Park
http://www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
Visit other "Big 6"© research units:
Animal/Endangered Species
Rainforests
Ferndale School District
Mt. View Library website is maintained by
Sue McCaslin, Mt.View Library Media Teacher.
Contact: smccaslin@ferndale.wednet.edu
Revised: July, 2007
Copyright Notice: No
materials on any of the Ferndale School Districts' WWW pages may be copied
without express written permission unless permission is clearly stated on
the page.©2000 FSD #502
