Step 1

Pick a topic and build some background knowledge.

Ancient Rome

Ancient Greece



Challenging Topics:







Challenging Topics

B - Build Some Background Knowledge - BLUE Sheets

Use the books in the library to read about your topic. As you build your understanding of the topic write down notes about this topic, then organize and connect some of the information into sub-topics.   These groupings, or sub-topics can be areas your want to research more. they can be the basis of your research questions.

TAKE NOTES 

Background Research Sheet (BLUE SHEET)

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SOURCES

Use Noodle Tools to keep track of Websites you use.

Works Cited for BOOKS, ARTICLES - click and then print if you need another copy



Creating subtopics to help develop research questions

Review your background notes. Think about how the big topic can be broken down in to sub-topics. You can develop further research questions around those sub-topics.

Sometimes creating concept maps or outlines help you organize your thinking about your big topic. See the examples below.

Once you have some sub-topics, you can develop questions for further research. See Step 2.

Example:

Main Topic: Aqueducts

Sub-topics turned in to questions


Concept Map for Aqueducts

Outline for Aqueducts

Example:

Main Topic: Chariot Races

Sub-Topics turned in to questions

Concept Map for Chariot Races

Outline for Chariot Races