This scientist research set focuses on scientists related to space.
Help students practice their research skills with this space related graphic organizer.
This is another free resource for teachers and homeschool families from The Curriculum Corner.
Scientist Research – Space
In science, we have been learning about the seasons, moon phases, and eclipses. Our study of space will continue in out next unit with the universe, gravity, and more.
One of my tasks this year is to teach research writing during science class. We have been practicing how to research through smaller pieces of reading. This organizer was our first experience with researching using iPads.
I started slowly by having students submit the following to me:
- Scientists’ Name
- Type of Scientist
- Country
- What they are known for
- Two web articles that could be used to help them research.
Students submitted all of this in Canvas. It was an important step of the research process. Many students began by submitting the link to their Google searches. Others copied the home page of the web site. For example, instead of linking to the specific page on NASA, they linked to the homepage. I realized that many students had never truly been taught how to research and link to articles.
I did not let students begin their research until this part was submitted and checked by me.
Next, they began researching. I emphasized that they needed to use bullet points instead of writing in sentences. This helped prevent students from copying what they read. Also, it requires them to think about the reading so they can paraphrase what was said.
When I designed the graphic organizer, I wanted to include information that students would need to read and find.
Writing Task
After students completed the organizer, they drafted their writing. I have included the rubric I gave students as their guide. Students use this when writing to include the necessary information.
One challenge for students was that they could not just copy their notes from their organizer. There were specific pieces of information that were needed and others were left out. Many students wanted to write a biography from the beginning of their life until the end. Following the rubric I provided required them to slow down and carefully follow the directions.
Quilt Square
After writing, students worked on creating their quilt squares. These were then hung on the wall.
As an extension, students used the quilt squares to learn about new scientists. Our science notebooks have a section in the back labeled scientists. Students had to read the quilt squares to learn about three new scientists. They then shared what they learned in their notes section.
This activity helped students learn about someone new. It also helped some students realize how important it was for them to write neatly and create a product that would grab the attention of others.
A list of scientists related to space has been included. This is my working version. As we discovered in my class that a scientist was too difficult to research, I eliminated them from the list. There may still be a few scientists students have not used on the list.
You can download this resource by clicking on the green apples below:
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