Critical Thinking: how to develop lines of enquiry

This Critical Thinking resource examines how to develop a line of enquiry. It is the second session in three separate Critical Thinking resources. It reinforces the need to challenge what we learn by asking questions which provide further information as well as to establish the validity of what has been discovered. It does this via 6 steps:
Step 1: What do we know already?
Step 2: Why is it important to the enquiry?
Step 3: Who agrees with the theory? (and why?)
Step 4: Who disagrees with the theory? (and why?)
Step 5: What else do we need to investigate?
Step 6: What do I believe?

The resource uses a light-hearted approach by focusing on the mystery of the Loch Ness monster and examines the theories behind the legend. At the end, learners apply what has been learned to produce a presentation which outlines their theories.

It’s suitable for KS4 and above, though could easily be adapted for KS3.