Choosing a Research Topic

Activity 1 - K-W-L Chart

• What do you already KNOW about your topic? What do you WONDER or WANT to know? 

Activity 2 - Get Background

• Find and read topic explainers, overviews, or backgrounders to help identify potential subtopics.
• Add what you learn to your KWL chart.

Activity 3 - Brainstorm with a Mind Map

• Break down the main topic into smaller, more specific facets by sketching out a mind map. Refer to your KWL to guide you.
• Your goal: Generate a list of three to five possible subtopics related to your main topic. 

Activity 4 - Question Pyramid

• Ask two or three initial questions for each subtopic using the 5 W questions.
• Your goal: Find your research angle = the subtopic that most interests you.