Let them learn

A week ago I tested the 8th grade on Earth’s biological diversity and geological history. This past week I decided to continue teaching aspects of this topic, going beyond the state standards. I wanted to give the students an opportunity to work on a team to research and gather data, and then to organize the data and present it to a non partisans committee (myself and cooperating teacher). The unit will end with a round table debate between the two groups.
My approach started with a lesson designed to have the students investigate and discover how to determine the validity of internet sources in regards to research. The rest of the week the students chose to be part of opposing lobby groups representing various natural resources. Chair persons were chosen to lead the lobbies and daily agendas were given to guide the two groups in their preparation for their presentation and end of unit debate.
The lobbies begin presenting their cases tomorrow during class. I originally had some concerns about how well the 8th grade boys would handle this activity. I worried that they would not be able to handle working independently within groups. However at this point I have been very impressed with both the girls and boys classes. They have all taken ownership of this process and have really done an impressive job of working as teams to achieve specific goals set forth.
I did not give the students much information about how to approach this project. I guided them but allowed them to make decisions within their groups. They have been really excited about this activity and have been sharing new information with each other with excitement. I look forward to their group presentation and the final debate.