Bulletin Board Project
Submitted by Brenda Branson

We're starting a big research project with our sixth graders.  In
connection with Big6, Information Seeking Strategies, we plan to
introduce them to the variety of resources available and to critically
analyze each to determine the applicability, reliability, and how
current the information. 

Special attention will given to evaluating web sites, news programs and
television programs, and interviews.  We are using the "Five W's of Web
Site Evaluation" from Kathy Schrock's web site as a quick guide to
analyzing sources selected.  We also discuss "where" and "how" the
information was developed and how to identify a "hoax."

Display window entitled “SNOW” Many Sources” includes: magazines, newspapers, computer software,
Internet, radio, TV, and reference books.  Used with beginning research unit to assist students in
selecting appropriate sources for research.

5th and 6th grade students were immersed in this years' presidential
election.  Students used the Internet, magazines, and newspapers to
research the Democratic and Republican platforms and write persuasive
speeches and campaign ads to convince fellow classmates to vote for
their candidate of choice.

Activities were planned to help students distinguish between rival
political ads and to get involved in the debates.  They began to
recognize key figures, like anchors and the candidates, as well as
special symbols related to governmental elections.  Students also
interviewed parents and shared their comments.  CCMS invited local
politicians come in and speak on behalf of the party.

Media lessons included video production activities, choosing web sites,
determining bias.  Students were made aware of political ads and their
effect on viewers.  They were also encouraged to strongly consider the
opposing view points.

Winning speeches were made via the school news broadcast program the
week before the school participated in the National Student/Parent Mock
Election.  It was very interesting to see the results of student
research and to poll students to see what influenced them the greatest.


Brenda Branson
Library Media Specialist
Crowder's Creek Middle School
bransonb@clover.k12.sc.us