Preparing

In this stage of the inquiry process students are getting ready to begin to find answers to the "Big" question asked within the context of the content being studied. To do this they need to

Select and use a plan for gathering ideas and information

 * [|Steps to Learning Success:] A Research Planner Form
 * [|Hands-Up Research Planner](download from Flickr)

Consider personal knowledge of a topic or question to determine inquiry or research needs

 * [|Graphic Organizers] (from Houghton Mifflen Harcourt) and from [|EdHelper]
 * Brainstorming & Webbing using online mind-mapping tools e.g. [|bubbl.us]
 * Activation guides
 * Class discussion, Circle Talk
 * Interview (teacher in role, student in role)
 * Write in role (as the expert, or from another perspective)
 * Improvisation ("what if we were all ___? What would we do if__ happened?)
 * Draw a picture that shows what you know about __. You might use thought bubbles to explain your thinking.
 * Find background information**
 * [|using Britannica Elementary Encyclopedia]
 * talk to people e.g. family members, friends

Recording, selecting and sharing personal knowledge and understanding of a topic or questions to FOCUS inquiry or research
**Idea:** Hang a //clothesline// in your room and give out paper and clothes pins. Students can write their questions on paper and hang their questions on the line as they arise; change the order of questions as they see fit; and move the question to the //closet// as they get it answered or as the source has been identified. Students can then go the //closet// to collect what they need as they work on the unit.

There are other metaphors that work as well. Connect the idea to your unit: a large tree branch and hang paper leaves with questions on them, or perhaps bring in a ladder and attach notes, or maybe use a dart board .....