Research skills in Grade 8 teach students how to find, evaluate, and use information responsibly. Through inquiry, learners ask how to choose reliable sources, why citation matters, and what strategies organize findings effectively. Instead of copying facts, they practice note-taking, paraphrasing, and analyzing evidence. Activities such as creating bibliographies, comparing sources, and presenting results encourage independence and critical thinking. By linking research to school projects and real-world issues, students discover that research is not just gathering information but also interpreting, questioning, and communicating it clearly.
🟢 Starter
- Define research in one sentence.
- List five steps in the research process.
- Write five examples of topics students might research.
- Create a two-sentence explanation of a reliable source.
- Reflect: why is asking good questions the first step in research?
- Identify five tools used for research.
- Compare primary and secondary sources.
- Write a paragraph about why note-taking is important.
- List five examples of plagiarism.
- Write a reflection on why citation is necessary.
- Create five sample research questions for a history project.
- Compare books and websites as sources.
- Write a paragraph about how keywords improve searches.
- List five examples of databases students can use.
- Reflect: how does research build independence?
- Write five examples of paraphrasing sentences.
- Create a two-sentence explanation of bias.
- Compare reliable and unreliable websites.
- Write a reflection on how research connects to critical thinking.
- List five careers that rely heavily on research.
🟡 Practice
- Write a paragraph on how to organize research notes.
- Create a chart comparing MLA and APA citation styles.
- Research five common mistakes students make when researching.
- Write a reflection on how technology helps research.
- Compare using a library catalog and a search engine.
- Create a project about evaluating online sources.
- Write five strategies for avoiding plagiarism.
- Research how interviews can support research.
- Write a persuasive paragraph about double-checking facts.
- Create a poster explaining the importance of citing sources.
- Compare research for science and research for literature.
- Write a reflection on how collaboration improves research.
- Research five examples of misleading data.
- Create a guide to writing a bibliography.
- Write a paragraph about summarizing information.
- Compare qualitative and quantitative research.
- Write a reflection on how patience supports research.
- Research five careers where strong research skills are essential.
- Create a project about designing a school survey.
- Reflect: how does research prepare students for future learning?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on the importance of research in society.
- Research how scientific breakthroughs depend on research skills.
- Debate: should students rely more on books than the internet?
- Create a project about misinformation and how to fight it.
- Research five historical figures who advanced knowledge through research.
- Write a persuasive essay on why research should be taught in every subject.
- Compare research in academic fields and in daily life.
- Write a reflection on how research strengthens democracy.
- Research how surveys and polls influence decisions.
- Debate: should AI tools be allowed in student research?
- Create a presentation on ethical research practices.
- Research five global problems being solved through research.
- Write a short story about discovering new information through research.
- Compare independent research and collaborative research.
- Write a reflection on how research builds problem-solving skills.
- Research how medical research changes human health.
- Write a poem about curiosity and discovery.
- Debate: is speed or accuracy more important in research?
- Write an essay on the role of research in innovation.
- Propose five new ways schools can make research skills engaging.