Thomas

Grade 9 STANDARD 1: Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge.

Content Topic: Research Skills Estimated Lesson Time: Two 65 minute blocks

Skills Indicator: 1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.

BENCHMARKS: - Recognize the organization and use of special sections in the library (for example, reference, reserve books, paperbacks). - Locate appropriate nonfiction sources by using the library’s classification scheme. - Evaluate sources based on criteria such as copyright date, authority of author or publisher, comprehensiveness, readability, and alignment with research needs. - Select a variety of credible sources in different formats relevant to research needs.

DISPOSITION INDICATORS: - 1.2.2: Demonstrate confidence and self-direction by making independent choices in the selection of resources and information. - 1.2.3: Demonstrate creativity by using multiple resources and formats.

RESPONSIBILITY INDICATOR: - 1.3.2: Seek divergent perspectives during information gathering and assessment.

SELF-ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES INDICATORS: - 1.4.1: Monitor own information-seeking processes for effectiveness and progress, and adapt as necessary. - 1.4.2: Use interaction with and feedback from teachers and peers to guide own inquiry process. - 1.4.3: Monitor gathered information, and assess for gaps or weaknesses. - 1.4.4: Seek appropriate help when it is needed.

Tennessee 9th Grade Course Level Expectations - Research

CLE 3001.4.2 Gather relevant information from a variety of print and electronic sources, as well as from direct observation, interviews, and surveys. CLE 3001.4.3 Make distinctions about the credibility, reliability, consistency, strengths, and limitations of resources, including information gathered from websites.

SCENARIO:

The school librarian has conducted a needs survey and discovered that students are unable to locate and evaluate appropriate sources for high school research. For the purpose of the lesson the librarian will chose a research topic for students. Classes are scheduled for two visits and follow-up lessons can be scheduled as needed. Class times are 65 minutes long on a block schedule. The first class session will focus on using the printed resources in the library. The second class session will focus on finding resources using the Internet and Tennessee Electronic Library (TEL). It is assumed the students have not already used the library in the high school setting and therefore have no previous knowledge to what is available to them. On day one, the students will be instructed to find information from 2 different printed sources in the library. Students will learn to utilize the card catalog to located printed materials in the library. Students will learn to locate information on the title page, such as publisher, copyright, etc. Once students find the information they will be instructed to complete a graphic organizer for their printed sources. On day two, in the computer lab, students will be given Boolean search information and conduct several searches using Google and TEL. The librarian (and classroom teacher if available) will circulate to see that students are coming up with the correct information. Students will be instructed to skim articles and sources for information pertaining to their topic. Students will learn to locate author, publisher, copyright, and source title of online resources. Students will also learn to examine articles and web pages to insure they are appropriate to their needs and contain reliable information. Once students have demonstrated that they can use the database and other online web pages they will be given the remainder of the block to find at least 2 sources – one from the database and one from a reliable web page – and complete a graphic organizer.

OVERVIEW:

Students will use their research topic to locate valuable sources pertaining to their topic in order to gain skills in research. Students will be instructed to find a minimum of 2 sources in the library and 2 online sources. The librarian will instruct students on using the card catalog to locate printed sources in the library and use of the TEL database to locate online sources. The librarian will help students locate publishing information and assessment of the material.

FINAL PRODUCT:

Students will complete a graphic organizer during the class time.

LIBRARY LESSONS:

Students will learn to find and use print and electronic resources to answer their research questions.

ASSESSMENT:

Product: Teacher and librarian will use a rubric that was developed to assess student’s choices of resources found for research based on relevancy to the topic and quality of information.

Process: Students will have a graphic organizer that they complete as they find their sources. The organizer will have source information, page numbers (when available), and several notes taken from the source that demonstrates its relevancy to the topic.

Student self-questioning: - What are all the sources that might be used? - Which sources will be most useful and valuable? - How do I locate these sources? - How do I evaluate the information that I find? - Have I found enough accurate information to answer all my questions?

INSTRUCTIONAL PLAN:

Resources students will use: Tennessee Electronic Library database, books, magazines, other reference materials, graphic organizer.

Instructional/Activities:

Direct Instruction: The librarian reviews library resources and introduces students to the online database. The librarian will instruct students on using the card catalog and Boolean keyword search techniques and monitor student use of the database to find appropriate materials.

Independent Practice: Once students are comfortable using the database they will be instructed to find a minimum of 4 sources that pertain to their research topic. Students will complete the graphic organizer once appropriate sources are located.