Inquiry Project Summaries
Fall 2002 - Spring 2003

Airport High School     Bradley Elementary     Crayton Middle School     Dreher High School
Horrell Hill Elementary School     Hyatt Park Elementary School     Meadowfield Elementary School     Summit Parkway Middle School

Airport High School

Title of Project: Writing Across the Curriculum and Improving Students' Vocabulary and Writing Skills
Question:
Summary:
Lead Teachers: Cheryl Outlaw, Christy Wingard, Diane Starnes, Annette Walker

Bradley Elementary School

Title of Project: Inquiring Minds Want To Know
Question:  Does involving students in meaningful scientific inquiry provide them with authentic and motivating reasons to read and write?
Summary:The purpose of this project is to develop a solid strategic base for student's learning through participation in reading, writing, and inquiry experiences. Teachers will gather data on best practices through professional books and a school site visit to The Center for Inquiry. Six-packs of leveled texts will be used by students to inquire, read, investigate, write, collaborate and work cooperatively with their peers. An article will be published in the school's newsletter and the project will be shared during in-services and staff development.
Lead Teachers:Wanda Moore, Joanna Harris, Maxine Sewell, Erica Fields

Title of Project:The Junie B. Jones Investigation
Question:If students are presented with reading text depicting real life and everyday situations, will it make them enthusiastic about reading and writing?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to encourage successful reading by engaging students in a novel study. At the closing of each chapter, students will be assessed using the 5-W's (who, what, where, when, why). The students will formulate questions to be e-mailed to the author. Students will write about and illustrate their favorite part of each story. The questions/responses formulated will be compiled in a journal for the school to see.
Lead Teachers:Margo Jackson

Crayton Middle School

Title of Project: Students Using Technology
Question: Will the use of computers motivate students in mathematics?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to determine if technology motivates students' interest in math. The multimedia projector, with the use of math-centered computer games, will be used in whole class instruction. Student's motivation will be ssessed through questioning practices and portfolios.
Lead Teachers: Eleanor Yanity, Dave Dolin

Title of Project: Flavor of the Past
Question: What impact or relevance does family culture have on an individual's artwork?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to have students research something from their own cultural heritage through interviews, and reflections done in written form and visually through a piece of artwork. From this, a picture will be drawn, transferred to fabric and a class "Flavor Quilt" and a book will be made.
Lead Teachers:Barbara Crenshaw

Title of Project: Science Inquiry Research
Question: How can teachers and students improve student attainment and skill in interpreting experimental data of scientific investigations, thus developing strategies which will be useful in preparing for PACT science?
Summary:The purpose of this project is to increase student retrieval skills in making relationships between evidence and explanations. Students will use these skills to develop successful science investigations to be entered in the science fair and to develop successful test taking strategies for PACT science. Samples and a handbook from all grade levels will represent the projects, interactions and data.
Lead Teachers: Selina Latimore, Calvernetta Williams, Andrea Karaffa, Jennifer Freeman, Vickie Brown, Kristi Dowling, Betsy Scarborough, Angela McCord, Janis Peterson, Shanice Brown, Eleanor Yanity, Dorothy Smith

Title of Project: Roller Coaster Physics
Question: In what manner do Newton's Laws of Motion affect the safe design and operation of modern roller coasters?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to increase and expand the roller coaster unit already in place at the seventh grade level. Students will conduct experiments to discover how Newton's Laws are applicable to the safe functioning of roller coasters. Dr.Tedeschi, USC Physics Department, will provide guidance on this project. Data will collected and will be used in a presentation about physics.
Lead Teachers: Ann Carbone, Andrea Karaffa

Dreher High School

Title of Project:  Burn, Baby, Burn! Creating a digital archive of teacher and student-teacher lesson plans using CD technology.
Question:   How can a media center facilitate teacher and student teacher cooperation and collegiality using digital media?
Summary:  The purpose of this project is to create CDs of teachers and student teachers lesson plans and create an archive of resources. This resource will allow for new teachers access to lesson plans that apply directly to units/ lessons taught at the school. A list of lesson plans and resources will be distributed to the staff upon completion.
Lead Teachers:Laura Haverkamp

Title of Project: Writing for Results
Question: How can we use motivation to create better writers? How can we use writing in all classes?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to improve Dreher's BSAP (exit exam) writing results. A writing committee will develop a school wide writing rubric based on the skills needed to pass the exam. From this a writing contest will begin with a winner from each category each month. Exit exam scores will be reported next spring. If successful, the project will be continued the following year.
Lead Teachers:  Julie Anderson, Jessica Grabiner

Title of Project: A Comparative Study of Seminar Classes
Question: What type of seminar class most benefits student teachers and interns?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to provide a comparison of two approaches used to provide feedback of student teachers, interns, and/or practicum students' experiences. The use of student feedback will be used to determine which approach is most beneficial to student teachers. Data will be collected from data sheets provided by USC. A final report will summarize the data and provide recommendations for future seminar classes.
Lead Teachers: Jessica Grabiner

Title of Project: The Impact of Computer Software on Student Achievement
Question: Does the use of computer software in college preparatory chemistry at Dreher High School improve student achievement?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to determine if the use of computer software in chemistry has a positive impact of learning and achievement. One class will be used as a control group and another as an experimental group and analysis will be conducted. The control group will be taught in a traditional manner while the experimental group will have computer software included in their instructional program. A summary of the results will be documented as well as a display board.
Lead Teachers: Ned Nance

Horrell Hill Elementary School

Title of Project: Developing scientific knowledge in the elementary students
Question: Will students gain a greater understanding of how to define and utilize the scientific process skills as they complete inquiry-style investigations?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to develop strategies that effectively promote independent study in elementary aged children. Each grade level will participate in several standard-specific inquiry-style investigations. The activities include visits with guest geoscientists, the completion of a web quest, and the development and construction of a rock garden. Student portfolios will be kept, along with lesson plans and records.
Lead Teachers: Saudah Collins

Title of Project: A journey through the majestic rainforest
Question: Will student's artwork demonstrate increased and more intricate details of content understanding after an in-depth study of the rainforest?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to offer an integrated study in which science drives the curriculum while the arts and geography support the study of the rainforest. Students will create art, poetry, songs and skits depicting the rainforest. A mural, depicting scenes from the rainforest, will be the culminating activity.
Lead Teachers: Mary Jade Haney, Saudah Collins, Lee Cross

Title of Project: Planting and Observing a Butterfly/Hummingbird Garden
Question: What will students learn from planting a butterfly/hummingbird garden? What will they learn about seeds, growth and needs of plants, life cycles and attracting butterflies/hummingbirds to a garden? What will students discover about the symbiotic relationship in the garden?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to incorporate the study of plants, insects and birds in a 'hands-on' inquiry instead teaching content as individual units. Students will germinate seeds, observe plant growth and keep daily journals. They will observe insects and record observations of the insects' life cycle and chart graphs based on their findings. An article will be submitted to "Science and Young Children", a presentation made to other classes and parents, and the garden will be presented to the school as part of an on-going science project.
Lead Teachers: Judy Barnette, Lee Cross

Title of Project: Developing appreciation for the veterans and the elderly in relation to determining our role in a democratic society.
Question: How can students develop a sense of appreciation from those who have served our country, and from those who have already contributed to our society? What is the student's responsibility for living in a democratic society?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to learn about what has happened in the past to help students to be better citizens, and to learn the importance of commitment, patriotism, and freedoms in America. Class lessons on the elderly, veterans, the armed forces and related wars will include guest speakers, interviews and correspondence. A portfolio, reflective writings and data will be the culmination of the project.
Lead Teachers: Barbara Smiling, Steve Woodyard

Title of Project: Writing a "New" Way
Question: Will students' interest in writing increase through the use of a writer's notebook in which to write and organize their thoughts, ideas, stories and other memorabilia? Will they write more descriptive stories?
Summary: The purpose of this project is excite students about writing. A personal writer's notebook will be used daily. Also, the notebooks will help the children to experience personal growth as writers. A PowerPoint presentation will be developed and presented to co-workers, parents, and a presentation at Winthrop.
Lead Teachers: Diana Studley

Hyatt Park Elementary School

Title of Project: We Are Authors
Question: Will student-directed publication of individual books enable students to make the connection between oral and written (printed) language?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to increase student success in writing and reading through the creation of a collection of student published books. The students and teachers will work individually and collectively on this project, culminating in the selection and submission of one book to the Richland District One Visual Literacy Book Production Contest held in April 2003.
Lead Teachers: Julia Campbell, Wylaine Augustus, Rhonda Jivers, Amber Black

Title of Project: Student Government at Hyatt Park
Question: Will the involvement in the political process have a positive effect upon student behavior and help them to become better writers?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to observe the growth in student's reading and writing abilities as well as social and character development, as they participate in student government activities at Hyatt Park. Students will make posters, flyers, write and make speeches for student council offices, as well as take part in service learning projects. A Student Council Handbook will also be produced and presented to Hyatt Park School.
Lead Teachers: Beverly Hill ,Autman, Djwana Snider, Rhonda Jivers

Title of Project: "Real Men" Are Great Role Models
Question: What effect does the interaction of "real men" role models have on influencing and stimulating students to exhibit positive behavior, self-esteem, and academic growth?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to find out whether or not the interaction of a "real man" role model really influences a student to exhibit positive behavior, self- esteem, and academic growth. Students will engage in several activities (read-ins, math sessions, field trips, exchange letters and emails) with the role models. A ceremony with the students, role models, family/guardians, and teachers will conclude the project. A bulletin board and book will also be created from the experiences.
Lead Teachers: Presphonia Perkins, Rita Bates, Francenia Branch, James

Title of Project: Touchy Science
Question: What effect does hands-on science experiments have on the interest of students and on related student academic ability?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to create an environment that will allow students to do weekly hands-on experiments and activities. Pre- and post-tests will be given to access student learning. Students will write in journals, take pictures, and log data from the experiments.
Lead Teachers: Teri Lucas, Joyce Brown, Andrea Gay

Title of Project: Using Technology in the Art Room
Question: What effect does the incorporation of technology have on the students view of graphic arts design?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to help students become competent and feel comfortable with the technological aspect of art. Students will use various art software programs to see the real effects of graphic design. Art folders will be submitted that include summaries and critiques of artworks, as well as, research, techniques and artists.
Lead Teachers: Nancy James

Title of Project: Leveled Texts and Students
Question: How do we use multiple copies of leveled text to encourage a more balanced approach in student application of the three reading cue system-semantic, syntactic and graph phonemic?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to link the theory of reading, as a transactional process between the learner and the text, with practice in the classroom and to better support readers in using a more balanced decoding approach that centers around the semantic cue system. The use of leveled text will give students opportunities to progress at their own rate. Teachers will write a reflection paper detailing changes in student reading behaviors that occur as a result of the leveled texts.
Lead Teachers: Betty Brown, Joyce Brown, Carolyn Walker, Sonja Martin

Meadowfield Elementary School

Title of Project: Then and Now: Making the Connection
Question: What effect does reading historical fiction have on students' ability to connect with and understand America's past?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to increase the students' knowledge and personal connection to our country's past through the use of historical fiction. Historical fiction text sets will be explored in literature circles, read aloud, reflection journals, and independent reading contracts. Students will write journal entries, complete their reading contracts and projects, and presentations will be videotaped. The project will be shared on the school's website and an article in PDS Proceedings.
Lead Teachers: Kat Ratliff, Charlene Chapman

Summit Parkway Middle School

Title of Project: Understanding through a Big Idea
Question: Will students gain an understanding of civilizations through a year-long project? What factors affect their understanding of civilization, and will student complete more assignments as a result of being in a year-long project?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to learn about "civilizations" and specific ancient civilizations. Teacher will examine motivational components of the project, as it is a variation on Problem Based Learning and Constructivism. Data sheets, interview transcripts, a teacher journal, photos and samples of students work will all be created from the project.
Lead Teachers: David Chadwell

Title of Project: Professional Development Library
Question:
Summary:
Lead Teachers: Marsha Moseley, Julie Amoth

Title of Project: Prize-Winning Connections, Seventh Graders Study Caldecott Award Books with Elementary Book Buddies and Create Original Picture Books
Question: How do writers create books kids love? How can reading and writing connections with fiction and nonfiction picture books motivate and support students' learning?
Summary: The purpose of this project is to create an authentic leaning project
that results in students growing as readers, researchers, and writers. Through service learning with book buddies and peer partnerships, students will develop communication skills and broaden their awareness of the value of serving their community. Pre- and post-writing and reading assessments will be used to track progress. Photographs, samples of students picture books, and summaries of the teachers findings will all be presented to those interested and at local and state presentations.
Lead Teachers: Diana Stout, Norm Ivey, Diane Gilbert, Susan Wittig, Ashleigh Parker, Hope Jacobs