Formulating an enquiry question
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use research frameworks to create good enquiry questions.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - outdoor learning
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following describes fieldwork?
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,
Q3.Why do geographers ask questions during fieldwork?
Q4.In which of these locations is a fieldwork enquiry most likely to take place?
Q5.Match the fieldwork activity to the most suitable location.
Measuring the shape of the landscape
Recording people’s opinions about a new shopping development
Observing how farming has changed land use
Researching the age and condition of people’s homes
Q6.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?
Q2.Place these stages of a fieldwork enquiry in the correct order.
Q3.A good enquiry question...
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?'
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Formulating an enquiry question, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 geography lesson on: Formulating an enquiry question, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 geography lessons from the Fieldwork investigation unit, dive into the full secondary geography curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.