Mrs. Gallagher

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ORBITALS

When good questions arise, I often encourage students to complete an 
Orbital. This is an instructional approach designed to support student 
interests and teach skills of inquiry and independence.  Students have many 
questions throughout the day that show what they are curious about, and 
sometimes their questions can be easily answered by me or another during 
class time, especially when they are closely related to the topic of study 
at the time. But often, these questions don't have an easy answer, I don't 
know the answer, or I want kids to pursue their natural curiousity and find 
out for themselves.  We had some very unique and interesting questions that 
were explored last year! I can't wait to find out what this year's students 
will discover.

To complete an ORBITAL, students are asked to complete out-of-class 
investigatons or learn about topics of interest to them. The 
topics/questions do NOT have to relate to class content.

I am requiring one for each student this year (to be completed by 
May 1). Of course, some very curious and motivated students may choose to do 
more than two.  Once a student has chosen to do an Orbital, they check their 
topic/question with me, then I help guide them to ways they can find answers 
or information.  Students will decide how much time they think they need to 
complete a particular Orbital. During this time, they will research their 
topic/question. Then they will share their findings in appropriate formats 
with their class (poster, short report, display, oral presentation - almost 
anything goes as long as the student has discussed it with me). The length 
and conditions of each Orbital will vary with the students' particular 
topic.  It can be long and involved if the student so chooses, or it can be 
a fairly simple and quick process.

I have made a supply of Orbital sheets available in my classroom, but they 
are also available to download from this site. Please go to the Homepage and 
click on the DOWNLOADS page.  The basic format of an Orbital is as follows:

Name _______________
My question or topic is __________________________
To find out about it, I will _______________________
How I will share what I learned _______________________
I will finish by ______________________

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Mrs. Gallagher

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