A flexible guide to research and source literacy.
Three introductory lessons for approximately grades 6–9. These materials supplement instruction; they are not a complete curriculum or standards certification.
Suggested sequence
- Begin with a question that surfaces existing ideas. Invite learners to explain rather than guess.
- Read the central concept together and model the worked example.
- Give students time for the activity. Ask what evidence or reasoning supports their choices.
- Use the lesson question as a brief formative check.
- Close with a transfer example and a written reflection.
Lesson-specific discussion prompts
Ask a researchable question
Which is more researchable: “Plants are great” or “How does light affect seedling height?” Ask learners to justify their response and offer a contrasting example.
Evaluate a source
Does a recent publication date automatically make a source reliable? Ask learners to justify their response and offer a contrasting example.
Paraphrase and credit
Does paraphrasing remove the need to cite? Ask learners to justify their response and offer a contrasting example.
Support and extension
Read difficult passages aloud, preteach unfamiliar vocabulary, and offer drawings or sentence starters. Learners may explain orally before writing. For extension, ask students to evaluate a counterexample or identify a limitation.
Assess understanding
Look for an accurate explanation, an appropriate example, and a clear connection between evidence and conclusion. Do not treat the short practice quiz as a comprehensive measure of learning.
Classroom use and safety
Use browser printing for paper copies. No account is required. Supervise outdoor observations and follow local classroom safety rules. Do not collect personal information through lesson activities.