Like Mary I have used photography with my 6th graders for this, but they do it as a homework assignment and put together the presentation format of their choice (digital, album, poster, etc). Some choose themes. I had one young man take all of his photographs of his father's motorcycle. These are then shared in class. I have gotten great response with this and they note how much it has helped them really look at the the things around them!
creatively,
Linda Kieling
(middle school in Oregon)