Fourth Graders Present Expertise about Native Californians

The week ending before the Thanksgiving break saw the culmination of an in-depth, weeks-long study unit on Native Californian culture, as fourth graders' individual projects went on display in the "Native Californian Museum." The student researchers were eager to share the knowledge they had gleaned with parents, fellow classmates, and other classes who came for museum walks. “The students honed their research and nonfiction writing skills, practiced public speaking, and became experts in their field,” explains teacher Valerie Welsh. The fourth grade “docents” demonstrated their expertise on topics as wide-ranging as natural medicine, hunting and fishing technologies, games and entertainment, ceremonial regalia, bark houses, and more. “The students learned how to gauge their information and presentations to the various age groups that visited” says Ms. Welsh. “They were true experts!”

 

Adds teacher Kate Callan, “The students should be really proud of all of the hard work they put in. It was their first long-term research project, and it allowed them to express their understanding through all modalities. Ultimately, they had the opportunity to share what they were inspired to learn about and share that passion. It was contagious!” MORE PHOTOS