TOC Blue Module 1 2 3 4 5
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The Snake: A River in Trouble? Module 2 Developing Powerful Questions     The value of a research project is enhanced by pushing beyond the mere gathering of information. We hope to require higher level thinking and fresh thinking. We look for more than cut-and-paste research. We try to move past topical research to problem solving or decision making. Let's see how the questions listed below differ in level of challenge and importance . . . The Menu Which of the following questions would best serve as umbrella questions to organize a unit of research and exploration? What should we know about the Snake River? What are the greatest problems facing the Snake River? What are the most significant threats facing the inhabitants of the Snake River territory? What can we do about the Snake River? What should we do with the Snake River? What should we do about the Snake River salmon? What should we do about the Snake River dams? What will be done about the Snake River? During this module, you will compare and contrast the qualities of the above questions in order to weigh how each might shape student learning. What makes for more powerful questions? Paste the above choices into your word processor and then rank order them from most valuable umbrella qustion to least valuable. Be thinking about what makes some more valuable than others. Please do not proceed to the next module until instructed to do so. Next module Credits: Drawings, photographs and graphics are by Jamie McKenzie. © 2000, Jamie McKenzie, all rights reserved. Copyright Policy: These pages may not be duplicated, distributed, redistributed or republished in any manner without express permission.