Loon Study

Our expedition work has kept us very focused this week as we continue to integrate reading, writing and science into productive, high energy workshop sessions.  We have shifted to a week-long study of a water bird:  the loon. After researching and note-taking on the loon, we began to draft reports. We looked at several loon posters from last year’s class so students could help identify a list of traits that made those posters high quality products (i.e. neat handwriting, careful, accurate illustrations).  This helped raise the bar on the type of work each child would do for this project.  Second graders are working on their own loon posters, complete with cutaway drawings and related facts, a title and a large, detailed loon drawing.  The results are impressive and the kids are feeling a great deal of pride in the quality of their work.  Next we will move into the last part of our expedition, which is the individual bird research portion.   We are excited for you to see all of their wonderful products.

Proudly displaying her final poster

Our note-taking organizer

Research packet on loons

Drawing practice with a step-by-step guide

Rough draft fact sheets