Knowing how: Researching and Writing Nonfiction, 3-8

When you assign a research report, do you hear groans of dismay? Audible groans from the students and your own internal groan, because you know that most of what you read, and have to grade, will be a lifeless string of facts, as devoid of the writer's voice as an encyclopedia entry?

It doesn't have to be that way. Combining research with compelling writing is challenging for upper elementary and middle school students, but when done well reports embody the passion that every student br…