March Inquiry Projects: Experimenting with Alternative Presentation Ideas

In March, 12 of my 4th graders completed their an inquiry project on a variety of topics! Notably this month, students also experimented with different final project presentations, using Youtube and Kahoot (survey games) to share their learning with one another.

Animals Today and in the Past

This group studied Ancient sea monsters, Dinosaurs, Chihuahuas, and Cave dwelling animals. Two of the four students in this group used Kahoot to help present their work!

Chihuahuas

Troglodytes (Cave Dwelling Animals)

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Ancient Sea Monsters

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Check out how this student tackled the question of, “Who is Leviathan in the Bible?” in detail!

In explaining the concept of Leviathan to this student, I left it rather open ended so he could use his own reasoning. At the same time, many people consider these passages as representations of a spiritual stronghold. While I remain in this ministry context, I will leave it up to my students to decide. Similarly on his last slide, my student chose to keep it open ended.

Plants Today and in the Past

There were just two students in this group, but they were very passionate about their topics!

Desert Plants

One student shared a poster on desert plants, focusing on the uses and foods made available through them.

StarFruit

The same mastermind student who brought us a 31 page powerpoint on Ramen Noodles created a Youtube video all about Starfruit, complete with special effects and all! It’s been a pleasure to see him develop a passion for horticulture.

Like a professional, he outlined his video before he shot it:

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With his blessing, check out his video here!

This student then spent the remainder of this group’s discussion teaching them the tricks he had used to design his Youtube video. I am amazed! This is what learning should be!!

Video Games

This group of students studied both video game design AND the history of popular video games like Dragon Ball Z, PacMan, and Sonic the Hedgehog. Two of the five students in this group used Kahoot in their presentations!

Video Game Design

Dragon Ball Z

PacMan

Sonic the Hedgehog

Check out this students’ Kahoot on Sonic the Hedgehog!

Check out how this student connected his faith IN DETAIL to the plot of his video game (Dragon Ball Z)!

Children’s Rights

The student who created this presentation is a natural leader who feels a great sense of solidarity with other children. One day, the Lord is going to use her to speak truth in gentleness and realign systems.

This student used Kahoot as her final project:

Reflection

I am so proud of how my students’ stretched their thinking this month! At the end of this month and into May, we will begin doing a whole class Inquiry Project, differentiated with graphic organizers and all for students who need extra support. Many of the students’ who have done Inquiry Projects these past months see themselves as experts in the process, and have offered freely to come alongside their peers (especially those who struggle with motivation or organization) to lead groups or support them as partners. I did not even need to ask, but they were excited to join me in leadership. I can’t WAIT to share how it goes!