Grade 2

Research and Apply

Knowledge Constructor
Black background with chalked question mark in white chalk

Overview

Students will generate questions regarding a given topic and then research that topic using a kid-friendly search engine. Students will utilize information obtained during their search, in order to create a shared presentation.

This activity will take several class periods. The first class period will be used to teach the research skills. The second class period would be spent doing the actual research. Additional class periods will be needed to create a shared presentation. 

Students will:

  • Be able to generate questions around a specific topic.
  • Be able to use search engines in order to find information on a given topic.
  • Be able to synthesize information obtained into a shared presentation on a given topic.

Vocabulary Words:

  1. Research: To research is to investigate materials and sources to locate facts.
  2. Search Engine: A search engine is a program that searches and identifies information in a database by looking for keywords or characters identified by the user. 

To prepare for this lesson:

  • The teacher should decide which search engine(s) students will use. Possible options include:
  • The teacher should have a working knowledge of the search engine they are going to have the students use.
  • The teacher should also decide on a general topic for the students to research.
  • Decide how and where students will record information obtained during their search (e.g., notecards, Google Doc, and/or paper)
  • The teacher will create a shared Google Slides presentation and assign each student a different slide. 

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

  1. The teacher will introduce the topic to the class (ex: National Parks, animals, influential scientists, Presidents, Weather Phenomenon, etc.).
  2. The teacher will explain the way in which search engines work and that students will increase the likelihood of finding exactly what they are looking for if they put thought into their search terms and questions.
  3. Brainstorm as a class a list of questions that need to be answered about the topic (e.g., What does your animal look like? Where does it live?).
  4. Based on these questions compile a list of search terms/phrases students might use to find specific information (e.g., When was George Washington born? or George Washington’s Birthdate)
  5. The teacher will model how to use the search engine; specifically what words to type in the search bar and how to choose a webpage to visit.
  6. The teacher will lead a discussion regarding how to find the information they are looking for once they have discovered a webpage to use. Students will need modeling of how to skim and scan the web page to find what they need. (e.g., look for keywords or phrases, look at headings)
  7. Provide paper, notecards, or a shared Google Doc for students to record the answers to their questions.
  8. Guide the students to the search engine on the Web. 
  9. Once the students have finished collecting data by using a search engine, they will synthesize the information collected onto a single slide within a shared Google Slides presentation.
  10. Once every student has designed his/her slide, the presentation will be viewed by the entire class. Students may be asked to read and/or explain their slide.

Different options for assessing the students:

  • Observations
  • Check for understanding
  • ​Teacher may use an observation checklist:
    • I can determine the best words to use in the search bar.
    • I am able to skim and scan a web page to find specific information.
    • I can record key pieces of information.
    • ​I can present that information in a new way, using Google Slides.

MITECS: Michigan adopted the "ISTE Standards for Students" called MITECS (Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students) in 2018.

Knowledge Constructor
3a. Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits.

Device: PC, Chromebook, Mac, iPad 

Browser: Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge, ALL

Websites:
Kiddle

Kidrex

Safe Search for Kids

Wacky Safe

CONTENT AREA RESOURCES
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.7 Participate in shared research and writing projects (e.g., read a number of books on a single topic to produce a report; record science observations).

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.2.8 Recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question.

Instead of asking the students to create a single slide within the shared Google Slides presentation, they might create a physical poster.

The teacher may choose to focus on a specific topic from the Science curriculum.

The teacher may choose to focus on a specific topic from the Social Studies curriculum.

CREDITS
This task card was created by Jean Smith, Van Buren Public Schools. February 2018. Updated October 2023