In Merrick schools, Birch second graders are research experts

Second graders at Birch School set up in the mini gym to explain their chosen research topic in a round robin style presentation to their teachers and peers on Jan. 8.

After searching for a topic of interest in the school’s library, students spent a few weeks reading and working on both graphic and oral presentations.

“They used digital resources as well where students had to access other pieces of literature they could use towards their research,” explained teacher Crystal Lopez.

“They had to find three big ideas from their findings and figure out how they wanted to present that information,” added teacher Liz Doheny.

The lesson also helped students build vocabulary and verbal skills, explained teacher Kimberly DePalma.

The event, dubbed an expert museum, was a way to celebrate the end of the unit.