Slow Down Stephani!

So, this blog was started because it was assigned :). But, it's sparked my interest and I'm quite excited. Even better it turns out that I think I'm learning what I'm supposed to from it! I teach high school Science. When I assign a research type project my students jump in feet first, no planning ahead. Which I of course stop immediately, make them take a few steps back and follow a process. So what did I do when I started this blog? Jumped right in feet first no planning needed. Slow down Stephi! When I'm teaching, the process is obvious, when I become a student it's all out the window lol. Helpfully, our lessons in Information Inquiry for School Teachers this week were about the different types of information inquiry research models. So, I have the tools to take a step back and reflect.

Of the models we investigated, my favorite was the Research Cycle developed by Jamie McKenzie. I love that it is a cycle that can be completed as many times as necessary and encourages continual reflection and revision. Perfect since I picked a topic where I thought I might make an attempt to grow a garden and it's basically Fall. Well planned Stephi! So, revision number 1, I will research the important aspects of growing a garden instead of jumping right in and save the planting for Spring!

So, as I progress through this process I will be using Annette Lamb's 8W's of Information and Inquiry and comparing it to Jamie McKenzie's Research Cycle. Using two models is probably better than one anyway! I begin with Watching and Wondering, which is similar to the Research Cycle's Questioning phase. My method for this may seem a bit messy to some but it will work best for me. These are my thoughts:

Watching (Exploring, become observers of your environment, become more in tune with the world around you, brainstorm favorite activities, how did you choose topic)
- I'm a huge observer of my environment, the news is probably my favorite TV show
- Going green, carbon footprints, reusable and renewable energy are all over the news
- I want the world to be better for my children than it is for me so this stuff is important
- And I don't want the polar bears to drown
- I love nature, it's beautiful. Is there really anything prettier than a green tree or clear blue water? And people are just destroying it! It makes my heart hurt
- I want to know how to use less energy and destroy less of my environment
- I want to know how I can support local growers and eat the healthiest food for my body
- I want to know how I can really help save this very lovely planet
Because these are the types of topics on my mind almost daily, my information inquiry research project is going to be about the ways I can find my "green" thumb and contribute to the environment instead of taking away.

Wondering (Questioning)
Because one of the research models I am following is the Research Cycle, I want to point out and remind everyone that I can reflect and change my questions at any time :). After my Watching phase and brainstorming, these are the questions I believe I would like to investigate:

1. What are the best ways to save energy within the home?
2. Which types of foods should only be consumed if organic?
3. What are the best groups or organizations to become involved in if someone is interested in contributing to the betterment of Earth's environment as a whole?
4. What are the preliminary and planning steps to planting a garden and what types of plants are best to grow in Indiana?

This is my starting point. I'm going to follow the 8W's and the Research Cycle and hope it leads me to a great product! Talk to you soon

Stephi