The document discusses developing focused research questions that provide structure to an information search. It recommends starting with a general topic and refining it with a question word like who, what, when, where, why or how. Four types of questions are described - yes/no, one-word "inch" questions, multi-sentence "foot" comprehension questions, and multi-source "yard" synthesis questions. The document advises that "foot" and "yard" questions are better choices for most middle and high school research as they involve higher-level thinking skills. Good research questions should be interesting, researchable, significant and manageable in scope.

1. Why write a Research Question? A focused question provides structure to the search for information. A well crafted research question helps avoid aimless searching & wasted time.

2. Start with a general topic Dogs Michigan Middle school students Then ask ... What do I want to know about this topic?

3. Use "question words" WHY HOW WHO WHAT WHERE WHEN

4. Four Types of Questions Yes - No question - this type of question elicits a "yes" or a "no" answer. For example, if the question was "Do you work at Trenton Public Schools", you would all answer "yes." Inch question (also called the " hand " question for Kindergarten and First Grade students, and " recall " question for middle and high school students) - an inch question requires a one-word answer and generally little research. Usually the answer can be found in one source. Examples of a one-inch question are: "How many states make up the United States?" or How long is the Mississippi River?"

5. Four Types of Questions (Continued) Foot question (also called the " elbow " question for Kindergarten and First Grade students, and " comprehension " question for middle and high school students) - a foot question requires students to read a passage, a page or several pages and come up with an answer to the question using their own words. Examples of a foot question are: "How did the original 13 colonies become the United States?" , "How was the Mississippi delta formed?"

6. Four Types of Questions (Continued) Yard question (also called the " arm " question for Kindergarten and First Grade students, and " synthesis " question for middle and high school students) - a yard question requires students to look for the answer in a variety of sources, synthesize that information, and draw their own conclusions. Examples of a yard question are: "How does Hawaii's location and climate affect its economy?" , "If George Washington had not been our first president, how might our history have been different?" Complete lesson plan including the Four Types of Questions can be accessed at: http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/21stcent/lgener.html Developing Different Types of Questions was created by Sharon Sutton

7. Four Types of Questions (Continued) "Foot" - Comprehension & "Yard" - Synthesis Better choices for most Middle School & High School research projects. Compelling research questions: Allow students to be engaged & challenged Involve higher level skills - organizing, reasoning, descernment, creativity, independence, etc.

8. What makes a good research question? Is it interesting? --- to you or others Is it research-able? --- can information be found or generated to answer the question? Is it significant? --- to you or others Is it manageable? ---not too broad or too narrow

9. Some examples: Dogs Which dog breeds make the best family pets? What characteristics make good seeing-eye dogs? How can I choose a puppy that will be a good hunting dog? Michigan Where are top vacation spots in Michigan and why do people visit them? What are some alternative methods for funding public schools? Who are three of the most significant people in Michigan's history?