Sorting, Analyzing and
Synthesizing Information
Module Seven
Rationale:
During the Research Cycle, once information is found, decisions must be made about which pieces are needed to help you make a choice. Sorting enables students to categorize and organize their findings so that the analysis can begin. As students analyze their data, they can begin to establish criteria that will help them reach their decision. At this point, students will be asking why is this information important and how would it effect my decision. For example, Boston is surrounded by water. Students might ask the questions: Do I like being in a city that has access to water? How would water positively or negatively affect my quality of life? After the analysis is complete, students will combine their findings to create their final project.
Exploration:
1. Look at your list with your team.2. Discuss your data. Ask how each piece of data would improve your family's life.
3. Star the ones that your group decides are the most important in making your selection of the best city to move to. Complete this for all three cities.
4. Make your decision. In your team, reach an agreement as to which city has the best characteristics. You should, as a team, base your decision by looking at the stars given to each city.
5. Write your letter explaining to your family which city you have chosen and why you have chosen it. Support your decision based on your analysis of your data. In a class activity, students would be asked to comment on all three cities and all six criteria. Today you can concentrate on parks and recreation for all three cities.
6. Share your letter with the entire group.
Discussion:
Share your reactions and thoughts about how the Research Cycle supports higher level thinking skills.Return to Literacy Module List
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Revised 4/1/99