Finding Out
Gathering Data, Investigating & Researching Sources
Stage Goal
Gather evidence from diverse primary and secondary sources, conduct digital investigations, collect sensor data, and evaluate source credibility.
🧠 Thinking Routines
Circle of Viewpoints
Examine digital issues and technology from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
Protocol Steps
- 1.Identify perspectives (e.g., App User, Game Developer, Parent, Network Admin).
- 2.Speak from the viewpoint: 'I am thinking about [topic] from the point of view of...'
- 3.Share concerns and goals from that role.
Example Prompt
"How does in-game advertising look to a young player vs an app developer?"
3-2-1 Bridge
Bridge initial understanding to new findings gained through research.
Protocol Steps
- 1.Before research: Write 3 Thoughts, 2 Questions, 1 Analogy.
- 2.Conduct research/investigation.
- 3.After research: Write a new 3-2-1 bridge and reflect on how your thinking shifted.
Example Prompt
"How has your understanding of how search engines index web pages changed?"
Compass Points (N-E-S-W)
Evaluate an emerging technology across Need, Excited, Suggestion, and Worries.
Protocol Steps
- 1.N (Need to know): What else do we need to research?
- 2.E (Excited): What excites us about this tech?
- 3.S (Suggestion): What stance should we take?
- 4.W (Worries): What concerns or risks exist?
Example Prompt
"Evaluate Artificial Intelligence image generators using Compass Points."
📝 Graphic Organisers
Source Verification Log
Evaluate author, domain extension (.edu, .gov), publishing date, and bias.
3-2-1 Research Grid
Structured capture of key facts, lingering questions, and core summaries.
Data Collection Matrix
Table for recording sensor readings, survey outputs, or observational data.
💻 EdTech Tools
Google Earth
↗Explore global satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and GIS spatial data.
River Runner
↗Simulate raindrop flow paths across global watersheds for environmental data collection.
Google Safe Search
↗Practice advanced search operators (site:, filetype:, quotes) for targeted research.
BBC Bitesize Computing
↗Curated primary computing articles, videos, and interactive guides.
🏫 Classroom Activities
Digital Scavenger Hunt
Use tablets to photograph input and output devices around the school, recording observations in a picture grid.
Search Engine Detectives
Compare search results using plain keywords vs precise search operators. Record differences in a Source Log.
Sensor Data Expedition
Use Micro:bit light and temperature sensors to collect environmental data around school grounds, recording values in a shared spreadsheet.