Have You Read A Good Book Lately?

  PART 1
The Problem
PART 2
Developing a Plan
PART 3
Research & Data Collection

PART 4
Analysis of Data

PART 5
Recommendation and Final Presentation Report

Part 1 - The Problem

Let's take time and review the problem at hand, so we can develop a better idea for planning to solve the problem!
Letter
from the Lemont Library

Summary of the problem presented by Librarian:
1. Library has noticed a decline in student attendance, and wondering why?
2. Library's funding is in danger of being cut for lack of student interest.
3. Library asked for your help in making the library a place that students would like to use.
4. They also need your help in determining the kinds of books kids really like to read.
You will form groups and analyze the current problem presented to you by the Lemont Community Library. When you are done completing the list of ideas for possible solutions to their dilemna, use Inspiration to chart out the entire picture, how your group views the problem, and possible avenues to pursue, turn it in. We will be discussing all questions and issues next, and then move on to developing a plan of attack.

Part 2 - Developing a Plan

After completing the brainstorming activities and addressing the issues and analyzing the problem at hand, it is now time to develop a plan of attack.

Groups will be formed (whole class participation) based upon the brainstorming completed in Problem Analysis section of this project.

Once you have chosen an area of investigation please consider the following questions while working on your plan:
1. What is the Library's problem?
2. What information and data can be gathered to solve this problem?
3. How can your team of experts, along with other students help solve this problem?

While working as a team, make sure you follow these guidelines:
1. Assign roles for working together in your group.
2. Keep a daily personal journal, and answer the questions posted each day.
3. Consider all possible resources to help you along the way.

Part 3 - Research and Data Collection

How are you going to go about collecting and analyzing your data/information?
How are you going to organize your information/data?

One way of collecting data would be an online database. Follow the directions on how to develop an online database to keep track of your data. The database can be developed through FileMaker Pro, posted to a web site, and allow users to enter information to your database automatically.

You will then need to sort and evaluate the contents of the database in order to use this information to report back your findings.

Part 4 - Analysis of Data

How is your team going to draw conclusions from your data?
Consider the following essential questions:

What problem did you research?
What data did you collect?
What other data did you use?
What other resources did you use (beside the database collection)?
What did you find out?
Do you feel you have enough data to make a recommendation?
What other questions do you have at this point?

 

 

Part 5 - Recommendation and Final Presentation Report

Your group will be presenting your recommendations for possible ways to make the library more appealing to students, parents, and the general public in a multimedia project.

 

Possible choices might be:

PowerPoint Presentation
HyperStudio Prsentation
Internet Web Page
Project Rubrics
Check out these rubric for each stage of your project.
Email
Rubric
Survey Rubric
Cooperation Rubric
Presentation
Rubric

Created for the Fermilab LInC program sponsored by Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory Education Office and Friends of Fermilab, and funded by United States Department of Energy, Illinois State Board of Education, North Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium which is operated by North Central Regional Educational Laboratory (NCREL), and the National Science Foundation.

Author(s): Ronda Larson-Dranter, Mary A. Warren
School: Old Quarry Middle School, Lemont, Illinois
Created: February 15, 2001 - Updated: April 3, 2001
URL: /lincon/w01/projects/library/student1.html