Students must select a topic on which to base the research. The teacher might assign a general category, such as animals, plants, states or historical figures. Within that category, the student should brainstorm some more specific topics that he would be interested in researching. For example, if the student had to research an animal, they could list horses, bees, foxes, penguins and boa constrictors as options. The student should then select one topic from the brainstormed list.
Help third grade students think of questions that they would like to research about the animal. For example, if they selected foxes, they could learn about where foxes live, what they eat and how they take care of their babies. Questions should be broad and not able to be answered with a yes or no.
The student must find at least two different sources that provide information about the research topic. Print or computer-based encyclopedias are simple options. Students can also go to a public or school library and locate nonfiction books about the topic. Under supervision, they can also find reputable online sources.
Children should read their sources and write down anything they find that answers the research questions. Students should write each fact on a different note card and also write on the card which source and page number the information came from. The students should practice rewriting facts in their own words instead of copying directly from the sources.
The third grade student needs to compile all of the information into a research paper. Write an introductory paragraph that identifies the animal and includes an interesting fact about the animal. The student should also write a paragraph about each of the research questions. Each paragraph should provide information written in the student's own words. Lastly, the student should write a bibliography by listing the title and author of each book or website used for the research.