Over the past few weeks, our 5th graders have been diving into the world of research-based arguments. Before we jumped into the research portion of this unit, we made sure everyone knew how to put together a solid argument. Backing up your claim with evidence is the name of the game. So, we dove into articles and ads, figuring out what makes a strong, substantiated argument, and what does not.
With this new knowledge in hand, the kids set off to research a topic of their choice. We had everything from the ethics of animals in zoos to the environmental impact of plastic bags and the thrill of extreme sports. The freedom to explore something they were personally interested in added enthusiasm and engagement to the research process.
This week the kids connected their research findings into discussions about their chosen topics. We spent time reviewing what a conversation with our partner(s) should look and sound like. We listed the expected outcomes from our conversations with our “research groups.” As I moved around the topic groups, I was pleased to hear meaningful conversations taking place. Some groups were in the midst of spirited debates, exploring all sides of their chosen issues, while others found common ground and built on each other's ideas. Everyone had an opportunity to share and add even more insights to their notes.
The real goal of this lesson wasn't just to gather information but to set off a chain reaction of new questions, fresh perspectives, and critical thinking. These writers didn't just collect facts; they became thoughtful gatherers and reflectors, showing how powerful collaborative learning can be. Seeing students learn from their peers added a fantastic dimension to the whole learning experience.
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