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I-Search

Step 1

Identify a topic that you would like to learn more about and make a list of essential questions you can research.

What do I know about leatherback turtles?
What do I want to know about the race?
What do I want to know about leatherback turtles?
What information do I need to answer my questions?

Step 2

How will I record the information that I find?

Take notes on note cards?
Take notes on notebook paper?
Take notes on a white board?
Take notes on poster board?
Draw pictures?
Talk into a tape recorder?
Keep all notes electronically?
Use my Turtle Journal?

Step 3

How will I conduct my I-Search ?

What do I want my final product to look like as a result of my I–Search?
How and what will it teach to others?
What is the real purpose for my product?
How will I give credit to my sources?

Step 4

I-Search Presentation

How will I present my I-Search?
Do I need any special equipment, permission, etc?
How will I introduce the topic and essential questions?
Should I share how I found the answers to my questions?
What are the most important facts I should present?
What personal commentary or conclusions can I share about what I learned?

Step 4

Self Evaluation and Discovery

What did I know, assume, or imagine about my topic? What have I learned? What is different or the same?
Did I do what I was supposed to do?
Have I included the information that I needed to answer my questions?
Did I give credit to my sources?
How does what I thought I knew/assumed/imagined differ from what I learned?
How does what I thought I knew/assumed/imagined compare to what I learned?
Did my I-Search and presentation accomplish what I thought it would?
What didn’t I learn and still may need to learn?
What will I do with this information?