The ABC North Carolina Project

The ABC North Carolina Project has been designed to help Fourth Grade students learn more about the great state of North Carolina through reading and research. As a result of the reading and research, each child will create a book using an ABC format. Each page in the book will be dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and contain information, facts, and details about a topic related to North Carolina beginning with the designated letter of the alphabet.

This long-term project has been divided into manageable goals with reasonable deadlines in order to ensure student success with the project. The students have begun working on the project by researching North Carolina State symbols in research teams. The team worked together to read, discuss, and write down the information gathered from the articles they read in books and online about each symbol. After recording the information in their ABC notebook, each student has designed a power point presentation with words and pictures using the ibook laptop computers. At the present time, students have researched and recorded information on 6 topics.

Students are compiling a list of places, people, or events that relate to the state of North Carolina. Each student has a “NC Chart” on which to record these research topics. This chart is designed to be used as a tool in helping students choose varied topics for inclusion in their book. Every space on the chart does not have to have a word listed in it. Parents are asked to review the chart with their child and offer suggestions where needed. If you know of an interesting historical figure or place you think your child may enjoy researching, you may want to offer it as a suggestion. Please sign at the bottom of the chart after you have reviewed it with your child. This chart will be due on February 10, 2012. When the NC Chart has been completed and approved by the teacher, independent research by the student may begin. Students will use the bound index cards they have to record information on each topic. Bibliography information will be recorded on the back of each note card.

Initially, some library, computer, and class time will be set aside for the research. Students are free to go to the library during lunchtime for research. The library will be opened for students accompanied by a parent after school. Please call Mrs. Barbee to arrange a time. I would like to encourage you to make use of the Greensboro Public Library. Each branch of the public library has a section containing books about North Carolina. The librarians there will be glad to assist you in locating materials. A list of helpful websites can be found on the class Quia webpage.

In order to complete the project, research will need to be done at home as well as at school. Students may get their research from books, magazines, brochures, and the Internet. Each student would benefit from having a flash drive on which to download the work they are doing in class for proofreading and printing at home. Attached you will find a list of due dates for the project. Each student has a white binder at school that will be used for the project. This year I will be offering a lunchtime meeting for parents to discuss the details of the project. I want to thank you ahead of time for all of the support you will give you child during this project.

Due Dates for the ABC’s of North Carolina Project

February 9, 2012 Parent Meeting to discuss the format of the project 12:15-12:50 Ms Hoover’s classroom

February 16, 2012 Rough Draft of first set of 5 research topics

Thursday

February 23, 2012 Rough Draft of second set of 5 research topics

Thursday

March 1, 2012 Rough Draft of third set of 5 research topics

Thursday

March 8, 2012 Rough Draft of fourth set of 5 research topics

Thursday

March 16, 2012 Rough Draft of fifth set of 6 research topics

Friday

March 30, 2012 Final Copy first set of 9 research topics

Friday Pictures may be included but are not due at this time.

April 19, 2012 Final Copy of second set of 9 research topic

Thursday Pictures may be included but are not due at this time

April 26, 2012 Final Copy of third set of 9 research topics

Thursday Pictures may be included but are not due at this time

May 10, 2012 Final submission of the research cards and

Thursday Final submission of the entire project

Helpful Hints

*Organize your time and materials

*Do the cover, title page, and the table of contents last

*Once your research has been approved, you may start writing the final copies- you do not have to wait for the due date

* Be creative