New
New
Formulating an enquiry question
I can use research frameworks to create good enquiry questions.
Lesson 1 of 13
New
New
- Year 11
- AQA
Formulating an enquiry question
I can use research frameworks to create good enquiry questions.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An enquiry question helps geographers to learn more about the world when they do fieldwork.
- A good enquiry question guides the geographer through the enquiry process, is linked to place and uses precise language.
- Enquiry questions come from different ways of conducting fieldwork known as research frameworks.
Keywords
Enquiry - a way of learning new information about a place by following a set course of activities or tasks
Hypothesis - a prediction taken at the start of the enquiry that can then be tested
Research framework - the type of geographical research on which the enquiry will focus
Common misconception
A good enquiry question is answered in the data collection stage.
A good enquiry question guides you through all stages of the enquiry to help you find an answer.
You may wish to highlight how many geographical facts and concepts students have already experienced have come about because geographers of the past used geographical enquiry questions. Top geographers working in universities today continue to use enquiry questions to direct their research.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following describes fieldwork?
Which of the following describes fieldwork?
A visit to a place outside of school.
The precise place where geographical data is collected.
Q2.Geographers might use the 6 W questions to help them find out about a place.
Which W question is missing from this set?
Who, When, What, How, Where,
Geographers might use the 6 W questions to help them find out about a place.
Which W question is missing from this set?
Who, When, What, How, Where,
Q3.Why do geographers ask questions during fieldwork?
Why do geographers ask questions during fieldwork?
To highlight a problem or issue in an area.
To help people enjoy a visit to an area more.
Q4.In which of these locations is a fieldwork enquiry most likely to take place?
In which of these locations is a fieldwork enquiry most likely to take place?
A garden
A classroom
A library
Q5.Match the fieldwork activity to the most suitable location.
Match the fieldwork activity to the most suitable location.
Q6.A assessment is a document and set of actions that geographers follow to make their fieldwork as safe as possible.
A assessment is a document and set of actions that geographers follow to make their fieldwork as safe as possible.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What is the definition of an enquiry?
What is the definition of an enquiry?
A prediction taken at the start of an investigation that can be tested.
A category for a type of research into a place.
Q2.Place these stages of a fieldwork enquiry in the correct order.
Place these stages of a fieldwork enquiry in the correct order.
Q3.A good enquiry question...
A good enquiry question...
is answered in the data collection stage.
starts with the word 'why' or 'how'.
can be used in lots of different locations.
Q4.Which research framework is being used with this enquiry question?
'To what extent do the sand dunes at Camber Sands show the typical characteristics of sand dunes in succession?'
Which research framework is being used with this enquiry question?
'To what extent do the sand dunes at Camber Sands show the typical characteristics of sand dunes in succession?'
Assessing the impact of a change
Comparing two places
Assessing the need for a change to happen
