Investigating

Step 1: Define a clear goal and global context for the project, based on personal interests

1.1 Brainstorm project ideas

    • Check out the Models page for examples and project ideas.
    • Talk to friends, family, or teachers.
    • Consider:
      • What do you want to achieve?
      • Why do you want to achieve this goal? How is this goal personal to you? (Consider your values, interests, passions, intellectual curiosity, family connections; the social, cultural or geographical relevance.)
      • How is this goal challenging but attainable? (Consider availability of time, funds, and materials - remember you're expected to spend approximately 25 hours total on your project.)

1.2 Define a Global Context

    • What contextual lens will you use to focus your goal? Try thinking about what your project might look like through each of the six Global Contexts and then choose the one that most closely aligns with your goal.
    • Check out the Global Context page for descriptions of the six Global Contexts and examples of goals alined to each.

1.3 Define a clear goal

    • Drawing together your initial goal definition based on personal interests and the global context, write a clear and concise goal statement.
    • Try using the SMART goal structure to make sure your goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.


Step 2: Identify prior learning and subject-specific knowledge relevant to the project

2.1 Identify prior learning and knowledge

    • Personal Experience: What do you know about your topic from you own personal experience?
    • MYP Subject Groups: What do you know from what you've learned in school? (Be as specific as possible - what class did you learn the knowledge/skill in? How did you learn it? Try to go beyond "I learned how to write in English class.")

2.2 Identify relevance of prior learning and knowledge

    • How is this prior knowledge relevant to your project?
    • How will you use it to successfully complete your project?


Step 3: Demonstrate research skills

3.1 Research questions/focus

    • What do you need to know? Identify what skills and knowledge you will need to learn in order to successfully complete your project.

3.2 Research Document

    • As you begin to identify reliable sources of information and gather information and skills, cite, summarize, and evaluate each source in your Research Document.
    • Remember experts, as in real people you can meet with and interview, will often be your most influential sources.
    • You are required to have five sources minimum, but remember that is the minimum, as in "adequate" or a 3-4 on the rubric. Keep researching until you have all the information and skills necessary to complete your project.

3.3 Reflect on your research skills

    • For example, how have you "collected and analyzed data to identify solutions and make informed decisions" or "evaluated and selected information sources and digital tools based on their appropriateness to specific tasks"?