RAN FOLDERS

We have been using RAN folders as a research method. The students start by writing down what they know about their topic (What I think I know) and then by asking questions (Wonderings). They then used videos, websites and books to find factual information about the topic. This was put under new information. If they were able to confirm information from What I think I know, they moved it to Confirmed information. Anything that they thought they knew that they find out is wrong is moved to misconceptions. If you would like to learn more about the process see this wikki http://gradefivegradealike.wikispaces.com/Summarizing+-+RAN+Folder

The students were grouped into three topic groups: Friction, Static Electricity and Magnets.

Once they finished their research they organized the sticky notes from confirmed and new information onto a piece of chart paper in sub-topics. They were then give the choice of whether they wanted to create a power point presentation, a poster or write a paragraph. Check out some of the pictures of the process.