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CIV.IQ
High School (9-12)Data Literacy3-4 class periods

Independent Research Project

Essential Question

What original civic question can you investigate using public data?

Overview

Students design and execute original research projects using CIV.IQ data.

C3 Standards Alignment

D3.1.9-12D3.2.9-12D3.3.9-12D4.1.9-12

Learning Objectives

  • Design and execute an original research project(D3.1.9-12)
  • Collect and analyze civic data systematically(D3.2.9-12)
  • Present findings with appropriate evidence and caveats(D3.3.9-12)
  • Respond to peer feedback constructively(D4.1.9-12)

Materials

  • --Computer/laptop access
  • --Worksheet H6: Research Project Framework
  • --Research Project Guide
  • --Presentation rubric

Vocabulary

Research questionMethodologyData collectionAnalysisFindingsLimitationsPeer review

Procedure

1Phase 1: Research Design

1 class period
  1. Brainstorm civic research questions as a class
  2. Model refining a vague question into a testable one
  3. Students propose their own research question on Worksheet H6
  4. Requirements: testable with CIV.IQ data, specific, original, avoids causal claims
  5. Teacher reviews and approves each question before students proceed

2Phase 2: Data Collection

1 class period
  1. Students execute their data collection plan
  2. Minimum requirements: 15 data points, at least 2 variables, documented sources
  3. Use the data collection tracker on Worksheet H6
  4. Teacher circulates to check quality and offer guidance

3Phase 3: Analysis & Writing

1 class period
  1. Students analyze collected data for patterns
  2. Write 2-3 page research summary: introduction, methods, findings, analysis, limitations
  3. Key requirement: explicitly state what the data CANNOT prove
  4. Record key findings and limitations on Worksheet H6

4Phase 4: Presentation & Peer Review

1 class period
  1. Brief presentations (3-5 minutes each)
  2. Present: question, data collection method, findings, limitations
  3. Classmates provide constructive feedback using structured form
  4. Students record feedback and identify follow-up questions

Activities

Phase 1: Research Design (Day 1)

guided-practice1 class period

Students propose research question. Must be testable with CIV.IQ data, specific, and original. Teacher approval required.

Phase 2: Data Collection (Day 2)

exploration1 class period

Systematically collect data. Minimum 15 data points, at least 2 variables, documented sources.

Open on CIV.IQ: Multiple →

Phase 3: Analysis & Writing (Day 3)

project1 class period

Analyze data, write 2-3 page research summary: introduction, methods, findings, analysis, limitations.

Phase 4: Presentation & Peer Review (Day 4)

discussion1 class period

Brief presentations (3-5 min). Present question, data, findings, limitations. Peer feedback.

Discussion Questions

  1. What did we learn collectively from all the research projects?

  2. What follow-up questions emerged from your research?

  3. How could your research be improved with more time/data?

Assessment

Research question quality (20%), Data collection (20%), Analysis accuracy (20%), Limitations acknowledgment (20%), Presentation clarity (20%)

Extensions

  • --Develop follow-up research question
  • --Write formal research paper with literature review

Common Questions

What did we learn collectively from all the research projects?
This discussion question is explored in the Independent Research Project lesson plan.
What follow-up questions emerged from your research?
This discussion question is explored in the Independent Research Project lesson plan.
How could your research be improved with more time/data?
This discussion question is explored in the Independent Research Project lesson plan.