Fifth Grade · Writing · week 10

Choosing a Research Question and Planning Sources

Form a focused research question and identify at least three credible, varied sources to answer it.

A good research question is focused, not too broad, and not a yes-or-no question, but open enough to explore. "Butterflies" is not a question at all; "How and why do monarch butterflies migrate such long distances?" is focused and explorable.

Credible sources for a report like this include a nonfiction book, an encyclopedia entry, and a reputable website from a museum, wildlife organization, or government science site, not just any website, and not only one single source.

📋 For the teacher
Teach it (10–15 min):
  • Visit a library or trusted bookshelf together and help your child find at least one real nonfiction book on the topic.
  • Talk through what makes a source credible: a named author or organization, and a purpose to inform rather than only to sell or entertain.
  • Write the final research question somewhere visible -- it will guide every week of this unit.
  • Model narrowing a topic yourself first: "insects" is too broad, "monarch butterfly migration" is focused.
Talk about it:
  • What is your research question, in one full sentence?
  • What three sources are you planning to use, and why did you choose each one?
  • What makes a source credible instead of just convenient?

Mastery looks like: They write a focused, open research question and identify at least three varied, credible sources to investigate it.

Common stumbles: Choosing a question so broad it cannot be answered in one report; relying on only one source or an uncredited random website.

Homework for this lessonType it, write it with a stylus, or print it for pencil & paper.open →
Records attendance + 15 min of Writing for this learner.
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