| INFORMATION LITERACY: Preparing for Research - KWL Chart |
The first stage in the research process is critical. Students require sufficient background knowledge before they can begin to ask relevant questions, identify keywords, and develop a research focus. It is important to design general exploration activities which initiate the thinking process.
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So what might this look like?
Weather is explored at various grade levels in the Saskatchewan science curricula. A KWL Chart can be used to activate students' prior knowledge and is a good starting point to the research process. |
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KWL Chart: [PDF] [RTF]
| "K"now |
"W"ant |
"L"earned |
| Students recall what they already know about weather. |
Students identify what they want to know or learn about weather. Younger students may require more guidance with this process. |
Students record their learnings at various check points:
- After initial research, students record their new learnings about weather, identify keywords, and formulate an inquiry question to focus their research.
- At check points throughout the research, students record what they have learned about weather. Older students may also evaluate whether their learning goals are being met and identify the steps required to be successful.
- At the conclusion of the research process, students summarize what they've learned.
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Keywords |
Synonyms: climate, conditions, temperature
Related terms: rain, snow, hail, sleet, tornado, blizzard, global warming, El Nino, etc.
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