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Students in Kristin Melillo’s fourth-grade class at Iona Prep stepped up to the plate and accepted their teacher’s challenge as they conducted research, created posters, organized presentations and went back-and-forth with one another as they debated the merits of renewable versus non-renewable energy sources.
According to Melillo, the students were hesitant when first handed the challenge, but they swiftly proved they were up to the task.
“(Students) looked at research on professional web sites, paraphrased that information, synthesized their own thoughts and presented an argument with three persuasive reasons on why they agreed with their form of energy and why it was best,” she said.
Once the students had their research completed, they then had to document their sources, produce online posters and make presentations to the class. Students coherently explained why fossil fuels can be harmful to the environment, the downfalls of certain green energy sources and why there are positives and drawbacks to any form of energy.
“Initially, they were a little reluctant and weren’t sure they were capable of doing the work I was asking them to do,” Melillo added. “I realized it was extremely challenging, and at the end of the day I think even they were surprised by the presentations they made. It was a very positive outcome.”
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