Inquiry-Based Project

Your inquiry-based project is intended to be a process where you take control of your learning through the formulation
of questions, the wide investigation of a topic and the building of new understanding, meaning and knowledge.
Through this process you can be creative and independent in your learning; choosing what you want to learn and
connecting it to your world. Your assessment will cover all aspects of the project, not just the final product.

Here is what you need to do:

1) After you finish reading the novel, I want you to think about what you connected to the book. It can be
anything: social issues, personal choices, historical events, etc.
#1 Due:_________________
For example, I connected to Mama in, The Cage, when she had to say goodbye to her children.

2) Create a question from your connection to the novel.

#2 Due:_________________

Guidelines to help create your question:

The question has to be open to research.

You should be able to find some answers to the question by doing research.

You do not need to already know the answer.

The question may have multiple possible answers (ie. open-ended).
The question should not be answered by a simple yes/no and should examine "why". "Why" tends to lead to
explanations or more questions.

It has a clear focus.

Your question should be as direct and specific as possible, or have clear sub-questions. This will give you a
good starting point as well as some direction in terms of how to proceed with your research. For example:
What is the mind? This is much too broad. A better question would be, why does memory differ in a six-yearold vs. an adult?

The question should be reasonable.

This means that there should be credible information which you can use to research your question. For
example: Do angels exist? You might have difficulty finding information on this topic. Not to mention that it is
a yes or no question. Why do people believe in angels in today's society? This type of question can be more
objective and will allow you to elaborate more on your topic.

Try to avoid or rephrase questions which have a premise.

For example: Why do we only use 3% of our brain? With this question comes the assumption that we do, in
fact, only use 3% of our brain. A better alternative might be: What influences the percentage of our brain that
we use? This question doesn't make any initial assumptions and leaves room for many possible alternatives.

Make sure you have defined all the terms in your question so you know exactly what you are
asking.
If you are using subjective terms such as "latest" or "most recent", be sure to define exactly what you mean by
this. For example, "most recent" as in the 17th century? The last decade? The last two years?

A new question can be asked once all your information is gathered.

A good inquiry never really completely ends. It should trigger new questions and things you are curious about.

Having the right answer matters to you.

Inquiry is about needing to know the answer to a question; this is the foundation of inquiry, having a personal
connection to your learning.
Once you have created your question, present it to Mrs. Yamaoka.

3) Research time! You will need to have a variety of media: an interview, online research and use print resources
(good 'ole books!).
Interview: Create three (3) open-ended questions that may lead to more. Choose an adult that you are
comfortable interviewing and who may know something about your topic. Write down their responses to
your questions, as you will be assessed on your full completion of this media. If your original questions
lead to more, by all means, ask them.
More information = a better understanding of your topic.
Online Research: You will need at least three (3) reliable online sources. Refer to the handout, Determining
the Reliability and Relevance of Resources to understand what a reliable online resource entails.
Remember that plagiarism counts and you need to paraphrase (put in your own words) all found information.
Create notes from your online sources as this is part of my assessment.
Print Resources: You will need at least three (3) print resources. Mrs. McVittie and Mrs. Imeson are supporting
this project and will be invaluable mentors for you in the library. Let them know as soon as possible what you
will be researching as they can get resources from other schools if needed. Remember that plagiarism counts
and you need to paraphrase all found information. Create notes from your print resources as this is part of
my assessment.
*** Ensure that you keep a bibliography of all media you have used. The website, EasyBib is a simple way to
complete your bibliography. Go to our Sa-Hali School Website, click on Library and you will find the EasyBib site
and some others you might be able to use.

#3 Due:_________________
4) Final product. Hopefully you have thought about what form works best for your learning style and interest.
(Refer to the handout, Product Forms for a list of ideas.) Once you have decided your product form and what it
will entail, present it to Mrs. Yamaoka.

#4 Due:_________________
5) Peer Coaching/Collaboration: You will present your outline to a peer of your choice. Their job is to ask
questions, clarify information, tweak ideas, peer-edit work or brainstorm for new ideas, all while being KIND,
HELPFUL AND SPECIFIC (refer to the Peer Coaching/Collaboration handout). This step will be completed
PRIOR to any good copy work.

#5 Due:_________________
Hand in:

a) Rough work (notes, etc.)

b) Inquiry-Based Project booklet
c) Peer Coaching/Collaboration handout
d) Final product

Total Inquiry-Based Project Due:_________________