Independent research blog

I've set up another blog for my class:
http://class5k.edublogs.org/

This one will be used to set tasks for them as part of their independent research. They've each chosen a country to research and are going to do a short presentation at the end of term. I'm hoping that the blog will encourage them to continue with their research at home.

I've also set up a wikispace from there:
http://class5k.wikispaces.com/

I'm going to try having each of them write a page about the country they are researching, in a similar way to this one which Doug Belshaw set up for GCSE history. In his blog, he describes how he went about it. With much younger students I'll need to provide a lot more guidance, and I don't envisage them editing each other's work, but I'll try it and see how it goes!!

Geography - webquests

I've just found a website with links to various webquests. These may come in useful when I am thinking about independent research tasks for next year (more on that later!). The website includes information on how webquests link to the TASC wheel (Thinking Actively in a Social Context).

It includes a webquest about countries, in which pupils take on the role of a tour guide and research necessary background information. It is designed for KS3, but could be adapted for upper KS2. It includes links for finding out about Brazil, Greece and Australia.

There is also one about weather, comparing forecasts with recording the actual weather.