Reaching Out To Seek Answers

Last week in Grade 3/4 we continued our investigation to search for answers and information to help us discover what rocks, mineral and soil types there are in Saskatchewan, where they are located and how they are formed.  We practiced the skill of reading for information in non-fiction books, and using key words and advanced search features to help us locate information on the Internet.  Though the students gained good experience and found a fair amount of information, we struggled to locate enough information and resources that were at a reading level suitable for Grade 3/4 students. 

In casual conversations with colleagues about our inquiry process and the work we we have been doing with our students, we were lead to some new sources including a Grade 7 Saskatchewan Science text book with a whole chapter dedicated to rocks, minerals and soil.  Though at a more advanced reading level, we found that the map and charts would be useful to our students.  In addition, after talking with family and friends, Tamzen connected with the girlfriend of her cousin who is an archaeologist in Alberta who studies soil.  With just a few quick calls and emails we had a scientist on the Skype line and the students were listening to her explain about soil types and were asking her about their wonders.  The engagement of the students was amazing...students couldn't jot down the information fast enough.  By the end of the call students were able to explain how soil is layered, about the ages of the layers, what you can tell about soil by it's colour, soil composition and even how a soil particle analyser works!

The learning for me, (and hopefully for the students as well) was that though we can find great information and seek answers to our questions in books, and on the Internet, that our human connections and contacts are also a very valuable source, one that I tend to forget about and need to access more in all areas of my teaching.  There are experts all around us, and they can provide us with new understanding, just as well (and sometimes even better) than a book or the Internet can.  This was a good reminder for me to reach out and to teach students to reach out when seeking information!

~Steph