STONE FOX

RESEARCH PROJECT

Created by Charlene Griffin

Grade 4 Teacher

Claypit Hill Elementary School

Wayland, Massachusetts

Introduction:

Before beginning to read a book, it is often useful to have some background knowledge about some of the things you may find in your reading. In the book Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner, you will be reading about potato farming, Wyoming, the Shoshone Indians, and dog sled racing. You will do some research on one of these topics and share your information with the class in a report and in a project so that everyone will have some background knowledge when we read the book.

Task:

• You will be assigned a group with which to work and a topic to research from the list above.
• You will then work with your group to conduct your research and write a report about your topic answering a set of questions about your topic which you will see below. A copy of these questions will be printed so that your group will be able to record your answers and plan your paragraphs. Be sure to include the web addresses of the sites at which you did your research.
• Your report will need to answer your group's questions and include any other information you think is interesting or important. Each question should be answered in a paragraph of your report. The report must be at least one page in length and the final draft should be completed using acceptable fourth grade writing skills (paragraph organization, spelling, grammar, punctuation).
• Your group will then create a project (for example, a poster, a diorama, a model, etc.) to share the information with the class.
• You will be assessed according to the rubric located below.

Groups:

Potato Farming

Wyoming

Shoshone Indians

Dog Sled Racing

Potato Farming:

Questions:

What kind of food is the potato and how valuable is it nutritionally?

How does the potato grow?

What work is necessary in order to plant and grow potatoes?

Where is potato farming an important job (include a map)?

What are some foods or dishes of which potatoes are a part?

Links:

Potato Farming Research Planner

Potato Info

Growing Potatoes

The Potato Then and Now

Potato Expo

Wyoming:

Questions:

Where is Wyoming (include a map)?

When did Wyoming become a state and what are some other important events in its history?

What kind of land and climate does Wyoming have?

What are some famous places and cities in Wyoming?

Who are some of the famous people who have come from Wyoming?

Links:

Wyoming Research Planner

State of Wyoming Kids Page

Welcome to the State of Wyoming

Wyoming Facts

Famous Wyomingites

Shoshone Indians:

Questions:

Who were the Shoshone people?

Where did the Shoshone people live (include a map)?

How did the Shoshone people live?

What are some of the historical events which affected the Shoshones?

Who was the most famous Shoshone and what did she do?

Links:

Shoshone Research Planner

Shoshone Indians

Shoshone Basic Facts

Utah's History

A Famous Shoshone

Dog Sled Racing:

Questions:

What are the rules and basic set up for dog sled racing?

What equipment was and is necessary for dog sled racing?

What kinds of dogs are good breeds for dog sled racing and why?

What is the Iditarod and where does it take place (include a map)?

How did the Iditarod get its start?

Links:

Dogsled Research Planner

Dogsledding 101

Iditarod.com

Basic Iditarod Info

Sled Dogs

Report:

• After looking through the links for the answers to your questions, your group is now ready to begin your report.
• Based on your research, write a paragraph to answer each of your questions.
• You will need a total of at least one page of writing.
• You will first want to do a draft and then work together to revise and edit it so that it is of an acceptable fourth grade quality.
• Then your group should make a final copy.
• Look at the rubric so that you are sure your group has done its highest quality work.
• Every group member is expected to contribute to the research and the report.

Project:

• Now your group is ready to create your project.
• You should decide together what type of project you want to make. Some possibilities include a poster, a diorama, a model, or any other idea your group might have. Be sure to check first what materials are available before you make your final decision.
• Work together to create your project.
• Every group member is expected to help make the project.

Sharing:

When all the groups have finished their research and their projects, they will then share their work with the entire class. Your group should plan how you wish to share, but your group must read your report and show your project. Your classmates will be given the opportunity to ask questions. Every group member should take part in the sharing.

Rubric:

Your group will be assessed using the rubric found by clicking the link below. Your group should also print this rubric and look at it while working on the different parts of this task, so that you know that you are doing your very best work.

Stone Fox Research Project Rubric

If you have any questions or comments please email me:

Charlene Griffin

introduction task groups report project sharing rubric