Extended Investigation

Unit 3 & 4 Only

EXTENDED INVESTIGATION

(UNIT 3 & 4 ONLY)

Unit 3: Designing an extended investigation

Students develop skills in question construction and design, explore the nature and purpose of research and various research methodologies, critically review research literature and identify a specific research question. Students undertake initial research and document their progress in their Extended Investigation Journal. They use their Journal to record the progressive refinement of a selected area of interest and the distillation of an individual research question. Underpinning the student’s preparatory work for their investigation is the development and application of critical thinking skills.

Outcome 1: design and justify a research question.

Outcome 2: write a research plan, begin research and present an oral report to an educated non-specialist audience that explains the investigation and justifies the selected research method/s.

Outcome 3: develop and apply the skills of critical thinking.

Unit 4: Presenting an extended investigation

This unit is comprised of two parts that together constitute the student’s completion of their investigation. The results of the investigation are presented in a final written report and in an oral presentation incorporating a defence to an educated non-specialist audience. While undertaking Unit 4, students are supported and monitored to maintain the dimensions and scope of their investigation and to meet the milestones established in Unit 3. The Extended Investigation Journal is used to record the progress of their investigation and the assistance they receive from supervising teachers, mentors and others.

Outcome 1: complete a written report for an educated non-specialist audience that presents and evaluates the results of the extended investigation.

Outcome 2: explain the investigation, critically evaluate their research process, and defend research findings in a presentation to an educated non-specialist audience.