Characteristics of an I-Search Unit

An I-Search unit has the following characteristics:

• The unit is motivating, capitalizing on 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 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 related to developing inquiry skills across disciplines.

• Students can strengthen web-based and online research skills.