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=**Inquiry project**=

Dear parents and students:

Ms Brayden and Mrs Martineau are going to be working with the Gr. 5/6 class on an inquiry project related to countries around the world as part of our social studies, language arts and technology curriculums. The project is designed to develop critical thinking skills, and move students' further on their way toward becoming independent learners. We will be working as a whole class, in small groups and doing some individual work. Presentations will be done in assigned groups. We will be following the //Focus on Inquiry// model. Each group will receive a copy of this model and a large poster of the model phases can be seen in both Ms Brayden's room and in the library. Parents are welcome to copies of this model for use at home, just ask Mrs Martineau.


 * What is inquiry?** Inquiry is an opportunity to say 'I wonder', to ask questions, to better understand the world. Inquiry is about discovery, at times facing roadblocks, moving back and forth between stages. Inquiry is where students take charge of the direction and content of their learning, within the context of the curriculum. Inquiry is deep thinking, great discoveries and lots of conversations. It also can be a whole lot of fun :)


 * Inquiry** - learning based around student questions (Wikipedia)

- Asking important questions - Researching information that is credible and relevant - Finding a conclusion (ending) based on research - Thinking with an open mind, willing to change opinion based on new information - Great communication skills - speaking, listening, note taking - Working well in a team
 * Critical thinking skills** - (Wikipedia)

- begin by checking out the planning page for resource links - be sure to consider the publick library - we might even take a class field trip to the public library to look at how it differs from our library and what resources it offers to help us in search of our next Olympic city
 * Resources**
 * -** this wiki will be updated regularly with resource links, websites and databases
 * The project**

The Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics were such a success for our province, the athletes and for our country. Many of us saw the torch relay travel through our city and watched the Games on TV. We had lots of discussions and activities based on the Olympics and followed the success of our Canadian athletes. Based on our experience with these Olympics, Ms Brayden and I thought it would be great if we could think ahead. Where should the next Olympic Games be held and why? Do you think Nanaimo could host an Olympics? Could we host the world? Where would you like to see the Olympic Games held? Winter or summer? Why? Through the discovery process called inquiry you will determine the best places to host the Olympic Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lots of rules and guidelines for a city to be eligible to host an Olympic Games. We will look at some of those guidelines in our quest to create bids to present to the IOC. Our IOC will be a surprise panel of guests and perhaps a few familiar faces that will determine where Fairview kids would like to see the Games. We encourage parents and relatives to attend the bid presentations.

The intent of this project is to cover the curriculum areas of Canada and the world (social studies), language arts (non-fiction writing, oral presentations, communication strategies) career development (transferable skills), goals and decision making (time management, setting priorities) and technology. Students are encouraged to talk about the project with their parents. Parents are encouraged to ask their children about the project and discuss any questions they might have. Mrs Martineau and Ms Brayden are available to answer questions by e-mail or in person. Please drop by the library anytime before school 8:30-8:45 or after school 2:45-3:30 or make an appointment to see me (us).

We encourage students and families to use the project wiki. Our students have been working with wikis for the last few years. They would be happy to share their knowledge with you. We look forward to working with you on this assignment and to discovering the world together.

Sincerely:

Mrs. Val Martineau vmartineau@sd68.bc.ca Ms. A.M. Brayden