What is Geographic Inquiry?

Critical Thinking in Geography

 Critical thinking means thinking seriously about an issue and making sound
judgements based on reliable sources of information
 Critical thinking is a vital part of geographic inquiry
 Formulate Questions

 Focus your research on one important question – “big question”

 Brainstorm a number of questions than narrow it down to one clearly stated,
important question
 Good questions raise more questions and start debates
 Gather and Organize Information

 There are many sources of information: field studies, primary sources, secondary
sources, visuals, community resources
 You need to determine if the information you gather is reliable (Does the source
focus on fact or opinion? Is the source accurate and reliable? Is the source biased?
Is the information up to date?)
 Keep records of where you have searched and flag sources you may want to revisit
 Consider if you have enough data/information or do you need to do more research
 Interpret and Analyze the Information

 Determine if you have the right data as you read and decipher data and maps
 Identify key points and ideas
 Determine if you have included all points of view
 Evaluate and Draw Conclusions

 Once your are happy with and understand your data, it is time to work toward a
conclusion – the answer to your big question
 Communicate Your Conclusions to Others

 Communicate your findings in a way that suits your purpose and audience
 Use maps, photos, graphs, charts to support your ideas
 Use appropriate geographic terminology during your presentation
 Clearly cite your sources
 Inquiry Question: How does this lunch demonstrate the
geographic connections that are part of our lives?

On the worksheet, record what you think should be done at each stage of the process to investigate the inquiry
question.
- Tuna sandwich
- Bread
- Lettuce
- Apple
- Pop
- Cereal bar
- Chips
- Lunch bag
Inquiry Question: How does this lunch demonstrate the
geographic connections that are part of our lives?