Tommy the Tutor Turtle Saves the Day: Step 1 of Research
By Kinsey Burrus
Bobby looks at the slip of paper with his topic, “Invention of Fireworks.” He has no idea where to start. He is supposed to fill out some “KWHL Chart” but his mind just isn’t working. His brain starts to hurt as a hundred thoughts whirl through his head. Fireworks? Do they blow up or burn? How long ago were they created? How long do I have to do this project? Isn’t gunpowder related to this? How is he supposed to complete this huge project?
While Bobby was frowning in frustration, a strange thing happened. Suddenly, a small turtle appeared on the desk. Bobby jumped and his eyes opened in surprise. The turtle said, “Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you. I’m Tommy the Tutor Turtle, here to help you on your research paper.” Bobby’s mouth gaped in shock. Tommy the Tutor Turtle continued on, “So, I hear you have a research paper. That’s wonderful! I love research papers. One of the hardest parts of a research project is getting started. I’ve heard you are having a hard time getting started. Is that correct?” Bobby nodded silently.
Tommy the Tutor Turtle smiled warmly and said, “Okay, well that’s no problem. We are just going to follow a few steps to help you along your way. The first step is planning. All big projects require you to plan and think ahead of what needs to take place. I bet you know a lot more about fireworks than you think you do. Let’s make a list of everything you already know.”
Bobby obediently got out a sheet of paper and began to make a list. At first, he was slow, but he gained speed as he started his list.
Fireworks
Explosions
Different Colors
Fourth of July
New Year’s Eve
Holidays
China
Dangerous
Gunpowder
Celebrations
As Bobby wrote, Tommy the Tutor Turtle smiled. “Wonderful!” the turtle exclaimed, “This is an excellent starting place.” Now, let’s look at the list and see if we can come up with some things that we still NEED or WANT to know. For example, I want to know how fireworks come in different colors. Okay, now your turn.” Bobby squinted as he looked at his list. “I guess I would like to know how they shoot up in the sky,” he whispered. “Oh, and I would like to know why we use them on holidays. Oh, and I would really like to know who invented them. One more thing I wonder about is why they are so dangerous. What is in those things?”
Tommy the Tutor Turtle jumped with excitement. “Fabulous! Those are wonderful questions. Let’s write them down in the “W” column.”
Bobby excitedly wrote down his questions in the "W" column. When he looked up, Tommy was gone. Bobby felt a pang of panic as he thought about finishing the assignment by himself. Then he remembered the things Tommy had taught him. He took a deep breath and continued following the steps.
A week later, Bobby got his project back. He was afraid to look at the grade. When he finally looked at the paper, he was shocked to find a bright red A+ at the top of his paper. He smiled and said, "Thanks Tommy!"
The End
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