Data Collection

To provide data as to the effectiveness of the LABS model, I established a pre and post test framework. This past week during each class's scheduled library time, I administered the pre-test which consisted of 9 questions that were similar or identical to questions 4th graders will find on the CRCT in life science. (Criterion Referenced Curriculum Test for Georgia). For the tenth question students were asked to write down the name of every bird they could identify in their neighborhood. Most of the children struggled to come up with 4 or 5 birds, the most common being "robbin" and blue jay. Many others would be able to identify a flamingo, penguin, or ostrich should they appear in their backyard! Three students threw in bats for good measure. Of the 49 students, the mean number of birds named, both specifically (blue jay) and generically (eagle) was 4. The high number of birds named was from a student in the bird club who had 11, all specific. Of the nine CRCT type questions, the mean number correct was 5. Two questions referencing ecosystems were most often missed along with a question about migration. Many students were unable to identify "owls that live in the arctic are white" as an example of camouflage.