The best way to learn about online research modules is to explore some examples. The following units were developed by teams of middle school teachers in Bellingham, Washington, in June of 1997. When you visit, identify the characteristics they all hold in common. Each team of teachers began construction by spending a morning enjoying a series of online learning modules designed to show how to build unit based upon The Research Cycle . Students are energized by the question and the task.
Students act strategically .
Students work in teams They have a clear focus upon a single essential question which calls for problem solving or decision-making. They include assessment throughout the entire process, not just at the end. The teachers in Bellingham were able to follow a carefully structured invention process which included all of the scaffolding required to produce a high quality unit. They supplied the curriculum know-how, the great questions and the activities which make each unit engaging, intriguing and worth pursuing. Click here if you wish to go to the Bellingham site and spend time working your way through the training modules which will show you how to build a unit.