Engaging the Student (Entry Task) 

Checking for Understanding (exit ticket)

~1 day

• Variables Worksheet

Guide the discussion on research questions. Scientists generally agree that a good research question is:

1. Testable using science
2. Specific
3. Answer should be objective rather than subjective
4. Able to be adapted into a hypothesis
5. Should address a gap in scientific knowledge
6. Not a question about a process because this should be addressed during the inception/engagement portions or can be done as background research. This would lead to reporting well-known information rather than drawing original conclusions.
7. Answering the question must be feasible within the time constraints

Give examples of bad and good research questions and characteristics of each. Explain that the end goal of the research question is to guide research so that it will lead to original conclusions.

Allow them to refine their research question using the Variables Worksheet (Student Handout). Have the students explain their research question and identify their independent and dependent variables to another team and have them respectfully critique each other’s ideas. Here is a video modeling how a conversation to narrow a research question might go.

• Examples for teachers and students of the variables and study design worksheets.
• Guiding resource for students or teachers on research question process
• Source for teachers on the difference 

Each team’s exit ticket should be a research question that is approved by the instructor.

Journal Check-in:

Spend a few minutes answering reflection questions in journals.

• What was challenging about developing a research question?
• What made you choose your research question?