Benchmark 3 Research Inquiry Questions

A student wants to learn more about kids and social media. She finds this information in her research.

Social media is a fun way for kids to connect with friends and family. Kids can share pictures, send messages, and even learn new things. However, they need to use it wisely and be aware of online safety.

Which question would provide the student with an alternative view of social media?

• How does social media help kids learn new skills?

• How has social media made it easier for kids to communicate?

• How does social media affect kids' mental health and sleep?

• What are the most popular social media apps for kids?

A student wants to learn more about the Grand Canyon. She finds this information in her research.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural wonders in the world. It is located in Arizona and was formed by the Colorado River over millions of years. Visitors can hike, take boat rides, and learn about its history at the visitor centers.

Which question would provide the student with additional information to add to her knowledge of the Grand Canyon?

• What types of animals live in the Grand Canyon?

• Where is the Grand Canyon located?

• How was the Grand Canyon formed?

• Can you hike in the Grand Canyon?

A student has made a plan for research. Read the plan.

RESEARCH REPORT PLAN

TOPIC: Colors and emotions

AUDIENCE: my teacher and classmates

PURPOSE: to inform

RESEARCH QUESTION: Do different colors affect how people feel?

 

The student has found these sources.
Which source would most likely have information needed to answer the research question?

• A chapter titled "How We See Color" in a science textbook

• A webpage titled "What's Your Favorite Color?"

• A psychology journal article on how color affects mood and behavior

• A newspaper article about the latest fashion color trends

A student is writing a research report about Jane Goodall, a scientist who studied chimpanzees. The student has taken notes on the research.

Which note best fits in the section of the report called "Work with Chimpanzees"?

• Jane Goodall wrote books about her research.

• Jane Goodall observed and worked with chimpanzees using tools to find food.

• Jane Goodall was born in 1934 in London, England.

• Jane Goodall started an organization to protect animals.

A student is writing a research report on wolves. The student has taken notes on the topic. Read the student’s notes.

• A wolf pack has leaders, usually a mom and dad wolf, who make decisions for the group.

• Wolves work as a team to catch big animals like deer and elk. 

• All the wolves in the pack help take care of the baby wolves (called pups). 

• Wolf packs have a big area they call home. 

Based on the student’s notes, what conclusion can be drawn about wolves?

• Some wolves live in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries.

• Wolves are the ancestors of domestic dogs.

• Wolves live in packs and work together to hunt.

• Wolves communicate by howling at night.

A student is writing a research report about Mae Jemison. The student has taken notes on the research.

Which note best fits in the section of the report called "Going to Space"?

• Mae Jemison studied engineering and medicine in college.

• Mae Jemison became a doctor before she joined NASA.

• Mae Jemison was the first African American woman in space.

• Mae Jemison started a program to help students learn about science.

A student has made a plan for research. Read the plan.

Research Report Plan

Topic: Bridges

Audience: my teacher and classmates

Purpose: to inform

Research Question: How have bridges changed over time?
The student has found these sources. Which source would most likely have information needed to answer the research question?

• A magazine article about a newly built suspension bridge

• A book titled "The World’s Most Beautiful Bridges"

• A web page with a timeline of bridge designs throughout history

• A newspaper article about a bridge that needs repairs

A student is writing a report on space exploration. Which note would best fit in the section called "The Moon"?

• Comets are made of ice and dust.

• The Sun is the largest object in the solar system.

• Mars is often called the Red Planet.

• The Moon orbits around Earth and affects ocean tides.

A student is researching famous inventors.

Which source is the MOST credible?

• A history book that explains how different inventors changed the world

• A blog by someone who enjoys building new gadgets at home

• A YouTube video titled "Cool Inventions of the Future!"

• A social media post saying, "Inventing is easy! Try it today!"

You find an article about space travel, but it does not list an author or sources.

What should you do?

• Use it because it looks interesting

• Trust it because it’s on the first page of a search result

• Find another source that lists an author and provides sources

• Change your topic so you don’t need more research