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8th Grade SCIENCE Energy Research: The Research Process and Guiding Questions

eWISE Research and Inquiry Model

eWISE Research and Inquiry Model

Be eWISE when you research:

  • evaluate throughout the process
  • Wonder
  • Investigate
  • Synthesize
  • Express

eWISE model developed by the Wake County Public School System

eWISE Step by Step

evaluate throughout the entire research process

In each of the WISE steps:

  • check your progress
  • review the assignment rubric
  • ask your teacher questions
  • peer edit and revise
  • improve your work
  • reflect on your learning

BrainPopClick here to watch the BrainPop video, "Research" (6:49).

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"Search vs Research" by McMaster Libraries, 2016

  • EXPLORE new ideas 

  • SELECT A TOPIC

    • Watch "Picking Your Topic IS Research!" video below (or linked here)

    • Click here for resources to help define your topic

  • Develop a RESEARCH QUESTION

    • Watch "Research Question - Library Research Tutorial"  video below

    • Click here for more information about defining your research questions: essential questions and focus questions

What do you already know about your topic?

What do you want to know / learn?

What SOURCES will you use to find information?

evaluate: Are you prepared to INVESTIGATE to learn more about the topic?

  • No?: continue WONDERing (this step)
  • Yes?: begin INVESTIGATing (next step)

"Picking Your Topic IS Research!" by North Carolina State University Libraries, 2014

"Research Question - Library Research Tutorial" by University of Maryland Global Campus Library, 2018

  • LOOK FOR ANSWERS to your research question
    • Use a variety of keywords and phrases in your searching (see video "Choosing Keywords" below for more info)
    • Use Google search tips and tricks when doing online searches (see video "Essential Google Search Tricks for Research" below)
  • LOCATE RESOURCES: use a variety of credible sources (from databases, print sources, websites, etc.)
    • Evaluate sources for credibility (click here for more info)
  • GATHER INFORMATION from sources
    • Discover facts and build meaning from the information you gather
    • Determine relationships between ideas
    • Paraphrase and record information in your own words
    • Information that will be needed to create a final "WORKS CITED" and/or Bibliography (this validates your research and honors intellectual property rights)

How will you find information and answers to your research question(s)?

evaluate: Are you prepared to SYNTHESIZE the information you have gathered about the topic?

  • No?: Continue INVESTIGATing (this step)
  • Have more questions?: return to WONDERing (previous step)
  • Yes?: Begin SYNTHESIZing (next step)

"Choosing Keywords" by Utah State University Libraries, 2018

"Essential Google Search Tricks for Research" by Common Sense Education, 2018

"Evaluating Sources" by University of Utah Libraries, 2017

  • SYNTHESIZE and ANALYZE the information you have gathered
    • combine information from other sources to make something new
      • organize your information
      • connect and compare information from a variety of sources
      • resolve conflicts with information gathered (consult additional sources)
      • draw conclusions
      • use evidence from your sources
      • summarize
  • (Some teachers/ assignments may have you develop a THESIS STATEMENT)

How will you make something from the information you gathered?

Does your evidence answer your research question?

(Does your evidence support your thesis?)

evaluate: Are you prepared to EXPRESS what you have learned about the topic to others?

  • No?: Continue INVESTIGATing (previous step) and SYNTHESIZing (this step)
  • Have more questions?: return to WONDERing (go back 2 steps)
  • Yes?: Begin EXPRESSing (next step)

 

"Research Synthesis" by University of Utah Libraries, 2019

  • EXPRESS what you have learned
    • Communicate the main idea and supporting points of your findings
    • What format will best communicate your findings?: essay, visual presentation, video, website, performance, etc.* 
    • Use feedback from others (peers, teachers, etc.) to improve your final product
    • Give credit to your sources in a WORKS CITED or Bibliography * (click here to learn more about citing sources)
    • Use others' creations, ideas and information ethically
    • Evaluate your process and your product

How will you show and communicate your new knowledge?

evaluate:

  • What were your strengths throughout the research process? What areas can you improve next time?
  • What were your strengths in the final research product (what you created)? What can you improve?

* Check with your teacher for assignment guidelines and requirements

Research Tips

Research tips:

  • Know the PURPOSE: Why was the source created? (To inform, persuade, entertain, etc.)

  • Watch for BIAS: Is the source showing just one side or opinion? How strong is that bias?

  • Check the DATE: Is the information current enough for your topic? Older info might be outdated.

Research Questions: How does it work?

How does it work?

 

Research Question: What are advantages and disadvantages?

What are advantages and disadvantages?

 

Research Question: How does it affect/connect to Wyoming and/or Jackson Hole?

How does it affect/connect to Wyoming and/or Jackson Hole?

  • * TIPS: to find local connections....
  1. try database sources such as: Gale in Context: Science and/or Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints; include Wyoming and/or Jackson (or Jackson Hole) in your database searching;
    • Think about the following regarding energy in Wyoming / Jackson Hole:
      • WY: Lots of Land, Few People
        • Wyoming is big, but has few people (smallest population in the U.S.)
        • A lot of open space for things like energy development: wind and solar farms, coal mines, oil fields. etc.
      • Energy Powers the Economy
        • Wyoming is a leading state in energy production.
        • Energy is one of the main industries and provides many jobs.
      • Energy and the Environment
        • Wyoming is home to numerous protected natural areas (national parks, forests, etc,). Decisions about how to use land for energy while also managing wildlife and natural spaces can be challenging.
  2. use website sources such as:
    • Wyoming State Geological Survey: Wyoming's Energy Resources
    • Narrow your web searching to .gov OR .org sites from Jackson and/or Teton Country and/or Wyoming
      • Search just the Wyoming Government website using site:wyo.gov in your query
      • or try something like: solar power jackson wy site:.gov  OR   geothermal wyoming site:.org
    • Search a Jackson Hole or Wyoming online news source (*online newspaper access is usually limited to about 3 articles per week so "click" selectively!)