This is a cross-curricular unit of study that is used for showcasing all kindergarten core subject areas. Kindergarten students collect and present expository information about an assigned dinosaur. Science facts and information are used to conduct inquiry research that is presented to K-12 peers, faculty, and family members. Students create an artifact, a written report, and an informational tri-fold presentation board that is displayed in our kindergarten \u201cDinosaur Museum\u201d.<\/p>\n
When conducting research, the students used a variety of resources (non-fiction books, Internet sites, local\/state museums, phone\/in-person interviews with paleontologists) to collect information about their assigned dinosaur\u2019s habitat, diet, and characteristics. The collected information is organized and transferred into a formal written report with an emphasis on sentence conventions and student voice. The written report are read and shared with visitors at the \u201cmuseum.\u201d Other important facts and information are shared via students\u2019 tri-fold boards and artifacts. Through these oral and visual presentations, the visitors understanding about a dinosaurs\u2019 way of life is enhanced.<\/p>\n
Time and space<\/p>\n
Organizing collected information to develop a written report Oral-speaking and communication skills when presenting Organizing and presenting of information via tri-fold board (eye appeal, creativity, neatness) Artifacts demonstrating further understanding of dinosaur characteristics Introducing inquiry and discovery to young learners Cross-curricular instruction Allowing for student creativity and expression<\/p>\n
Strengths were: Non-fiction written composition Oral communication skills (tone, eye contact, expression) Organization of data demonstrated by fluency of written report, oral presentation, tri-fold board, and artifact Cross-curricular learning Student expression and voice through written and visual examples<\/p>\n