Fifth Grade · Reading · week 11

Three sources, one question

Research one focused question using three different sources and record what each source contributes.

Good researchers do not stop at the first answer they find -- they check multiple sources because sources can be incomplete, outdated, or even wrong. This week research question is: why do leaves change color in the fall?

You will gather information from three different kinds of sources: an encyclopedia-style article, a chart of data, and a quote from an expert. Each source type gives you a different kind of information, and combining them gives you a fuller answer than any one source alone.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Keep the research question narrow and specific (why do leaves change color, not tell me about fall) -- a focused question makes research manageable.
  • For a real source hunt, a library book, a reputable kids science site, and an almanac or weather chart make an easy real-world trio.
  • Have them literally write each source contribution on a separate line or index card before combining -- it makes the synthesis step next week easier.
  • Ask what each source added that the OTHERS did not -- that is the heart of using multiple sources well.
Talk about it:
  • What did your third source add that the first two did not mention?
  • If you only had one source, what would you have missed?
  • Which source did you trust the most? Why?

Mastery looks like: They can research a focused question across three distinct sources and articulate what unique contribution each source made.

Common stumbles: Picking three sources that all say the same thing rather than sources that add different angles.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Reading for this learner.
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