I feel pretty good about my Weaving phase. Weaving is part of Lamb's 8W's and very similar to McKenzie's Research Cycle's Synthesizing step. I took all of my great information and tried to tear it apart and then put it back together in a new way that's useful to me. Because I am so visual, I did so by making a graphic organizer in Inspiration and a tried and true outline. The graphic organizer is to the left and the outline is copied below.Eating Organic
Outline for Research Presentation
I. Basics of what organic means
a. Definition
b. Differences between conventional farming and organic farming
c. Vocabulary related to organic products
II. Reasons to choose organic
a. Personal
b. Local
c. Global
III. Factors to consider when deciding to buy or not to buy organic
a. Nutrition
b. Quality and appearance
c. Pesticides
d. Environment
e. Cost
f. Taste
IV. Conclusion
a. Foods that should be consumed organic
b. Foods safe to consume nonorganic
c. Eating healthy and making smart choices
As I was reflecting on my synthesis, I was again reminded of the importance for most students to visually understand their work. Actually seeing the information laid out like puzzle pieces can be very helpful for making meaning. Daniel Callison was very correct when he stated that inquiry models can help students "visualize the steps to effective and efficient information problem solving".
Hi Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteGreat graphic organizer! You must feel an immense amount of relief. I'm a big fan of Carol Kuhlthau's ISP inquiry model (http://www.virtualinquiry.com/inquiry/ips.htm). It correlates the steps of information inquiry with the emotions you may be feeling. It is helpful to me to know that many people get emotional about research and what to expect. It sounds like you and I followed her model exactly.
"Exploring Information - Feelings: confusion, uncertainty, doubt, sometimes threat"
(I think the 8Ws steps under this model would be:wondering, webbing, and wiggling.)
"Formulating a Focus - Feelings: optimism, confidence in ability to complete task"
(I think the 8Ws steps under this model would be: weaving and wrapping.)
A simple way I remember what organic produce to buy is; if it is extremely popular like strawberries and apples get organic, or if you eat the skin/outside of the produce try to get organic.
P.S. I recently enrolled in a service called Farm Fresh Delivery (www.farmfreshdelivery.com). For $35 a week I receive a crate full of fresh organic mid-west grown produce delivered right to my door. Thus far my family has really enjoyed it and I like not having to go to the grocery as much.