Characteristics of an I-Search Unit

An I-Search unit has the following characteristics:

• The unit is motivating, capitalizing on middle school students innate curiosity to explore topics of importance to both them and their community.
  
  
• By exploring a topic, the I-Search opens doors to knowledge, showing students the different ways to locate information.
  
  
• Since many activities require working with peers, the I-Search fosters collaboration among students who have diverse abilities, talents, and skills.
  
  
• Students must think critically as they integrate and evaluate information from different sources.
  
  
• By marrying process to product, the I-Search offers students creative outlets to represent knowledge.
  
  
• When teachers link the I-Search to standards in the key content areas, the inquiry process can support the construction of knowledge around key understandings.
  
  
• The research process encourages teachers and students to meaningfully use a variety of technology tools.
  
  
• The unit aligns with national standards relating to developing inquiry skills across disciplines.
  
  
• Students can strengthen web-based and online research skills. For more on this topic, visit our section on Online Research.