Students are spending increasing amounts of time using technology, particularly computers (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2010). As students use search engines and Internet tools, they are able to access information about myriad topics (Fieldhouse & Nicholas, 2008). Educators are in a position to develop a culture of digital learning (Søby, 2008)…

The author knew that most of her students viewed Africa as a homogeneous place and, moreover, a place that they wanted no connection to. She wanted to be sure that she presented Africa in a way that empowered students and made them proud of their ancestry, as opposed to leaving them feeling the shame and humiliation that she once felt. She wanted…

Seventh grade students entering South East Junior High in Iowa City come from eight elementary feeder schools, as well as from schools around the world. Their information literacy skills and knowledge of reference sources vary, but since all seventh graders and new eighth graders are required to take one trimester of Visual Studies, all entering…

Describes an end-of-year project in which students research an interesting figure from American history and have a "dinner party" in which they become the historical figure they have researched. Gives examples of ways to modify the number of assessed activities based on the class and time factors. (SG)

Describes how a 7th-grade reading class used character journals to explore the sailing and the sinking of the "Titanic." Describes how the students took ownership of their research and enjoyed reading and writing about actual events as they became a passenger or crew member aboard the "Titanic," explored the ship, experienced…

Presents a lesson plan for seventh-grade students in which they learn respect for themselves and others and apply social studies skills. Explains that the students create timelines, interview someone of an older generation, and create a Venn diagram comparing that person's life to their own. Includes suggestions for writing assignments based on…

These series of lessons uses the process of student inquiry to teach the concepts of force and motion identified in the National Science Education Standards for grades 5-8. The lesson plan also uses technology as a teaching tool through the use of interactive Web sites. The lessons are built on the 5-E format and feature imbedded assessments.

Describes a three-week language-study unit in which students search for the meaning of their names. Describes how students use reference works, create symbolic drawings, read stories and articles, record information in their journals, interview family members, and work in small groups drafting and revising imaginative stories based on their…

This article describes the Cornell Science Challenge, an annual science fair held at Olin Hall at Weill Medical College of Cornell University. This science fair features seventh graders from East Middle School in New York who have been mentored for three months by actual scientists (graduate students, faculty members, laboratory technicians, and…

Describes "FLIP IT," a process developed to help a seventh-grade class succeed at information problem solving by analyzing and defining the research process. Explains the mnemonic, FLIP IT, as focusing on the topic, locating appropriate resources, investigating and implementing the information, and producing results while using intelligent…

Describes use of community-survey research by seventh-grade social studies students to teach research techniques and survey methodology in an authentic setting and record community attitudes about the school to establish strategic school goals. Concludes that the project provided multiple positive results for students while providing a basis for…

Describes how a student collaborates with other seventh-grade research and learning teammates on a dinosaur project, using electronic mail, the Pathways Intranet, meetings with her teacher at a video-conferencing center, and an interview with an anthropology graduate student. Similar scenarios for teachers, administrators, parents, and board…

Describes how a seventh-grade class created and presented their own museum as a special research project for an ancient cultures unit. Discusses how the class used drama strategies to frame issues and discussions, and used "processed drama" and "mantle of the expert drama" in extended ways to frame two months of inquiry and a…

Describes guided research pages, which eliminate the enormous amount of time it can take to refine a World Wide Web search and give that time, instead, to student research. Discusses advantages, and presents examples of simple, interactive, and dynamic guided pages for the seventh- and eighth-grade classroom. (AEF)

Describes a skills development program based on research and writing subskills. Includes analyzing questions, devising a form to record information, researching and reporting findings, and supporting a point of view in persuasive essay. Explains that the program through three years of middle school, adding and refining skills each year. Suggests…