Phase 2: Research
During the Research Phase of Wild Treasures, your class will use one or more of the five Core Concepts of Climate Change introduced during Phase 1 to design and carry out original research about your school’s resiliency to climate change. The length of this phase varies depending on the extent you choose to integrate the program into your other curriculum. We recommend that you submit a research proposal to your WT Teaching Assistant within 20 school days of completing Phase 1 as a way to keep momentum going.
Student Website: wildtreasuresstudents.weebly.com/phase-2-research.html
Objectives
- Decide on a research idea and fill out the Research Proposal + Purchase Request form (3-5 classes)
- Finalize methods and conduct original research (variable)
- Write and submit Research Report (4-6 classes)
Scope and Sequence
Below you will find suggestions for how to facilitate this phase of the program. Remember, your WT Teaching Assistant will be with you at every step! All of the resources and forms mentioned are located on the Student Website, linked above.
- Explain to students that they are beginning the Research phase of this project. Their goal is to figure out what kinds of research they want to design and carry out regarding their school’s contribution to climate change and resiliency to more frequent and extreme weather events. Remind them that they will turn their research into a proposal for real action that they will present to their school board.
- Review the Data Cards for each of the five Core Concepts of Climate Change. Data Cards revisit what the students learned during each challenge lesson and offer possible research ideas connected to each core concept.
- Have students brainstorm possible research ideas and decide which are feasible and compelling to pursue. Complete the Research Proposal + Purchase Request form and submit it to your WT Teaching Assistant no later than 20 school days after completing Phase 1.
- As your students are carrying out their research, introduce to them the Research Report Guidelines and Self Evaluation Rubric. Review what makes an exemplary research report and support them in following it as they turn their research experience into a written document.
- Determine with your students how they will collaboratively approach the writing of the Research Report. Identify everyone’s specific roles, responsibilities and deadlines. Submit your Research Report no later than the last Friday in January.