In 6th grade, students study Ancient Egypt and the Pharaoh's who were a major part of the country's development. As a culminating project to this unit students collaboratively created data research sheets and Google Presentations.Amber O’Day and I worked together on multiple days before the project to create the data sheets and set up the project to present key information about 6 different pharaohs from Ancient Egypt. This was to supplement a section from our book explaining the different dynasties and rules of specific pharaohs. We began by creating a data sheet that students would share with their group and with myself. This allowed me to be able to monitor the work being done and also keep track of adjustments/corrections being done by each student in the group. I did this using revision history, a feature within all Google Docs.
We explained on the first day how to retrieve the copy of the data sheet from their Shared with Me within Google Drive and re-share the document with their group members. Each person in the group was given a topic to research and all would work on the document together. We also explained they would need to include their sources and we talked about the differences between a search engine and a website. Sources the students were able to use for this project, ranged from internet sources, Discovery Education, and book sources. The students worked on this data sheet for 2-3 days.
Once finished with the data sheet, we introduced the students to Google Presentations and allowed the students to begin work on a presentation they would give as a group at the end of the week. As with the Google document/data sheet that was created for students to work collaboratively, we revisited how to share and work collaboratively with Google Presentations. Each student took their category and created a slide(s) on Google Presentation which was shared collaboratively among the group. The same rules applied and I was able to virtually monitor as well as monitor physically. Students also created a source slide within their presentation. This process took another 2 days plus one more to practice presenting in front of the class.
This project was very successful in many ways. It allowed me to really see how the students worked in collaborative groups, using research skills, as well as presentation skills. I will repeat next year and hopefully add to the project.
Amy Dabler
KJHS
6th Grade Social Studies
