Information Page on I-Chart

I-Chart

What is it?

The I-Chart, also known as the Inquiry-Chart, is a reading strategy used to help guide a student through research. The chart allows you to visually see what different sources say about the same topic. In this case, we will be using Pythagoras as our topic.

How does it work?

1. First you list all of your prior knowledge about a specific topic. So right now, brain storm with your group all of the information that you know about Pythagoras BEFORE you start reading.

2. Then you need to generate questions to help guide you through the readings. These questions give you something to look for as you reading. Think of questions that would be important. For example, who is Pythagoras is a very good question. Think of your six question words (Who, What, Where, Why, When and How). Another question might be, "why is Pythagoras famous?".

3. Start reading the passages ONE AT A TIME!! As you are reading, try to answer the questions that you created. IF THE QUESTION IS NOT ANSWERED IN THE PASSAGE, LEAVE THE BOX BLANK, DO NOT MAKE UP YOUR OWN ANSWER (only write what the story says)!!

4. When your group has finished the reading, write down some other interesting facts from the passage. Then think, are there any more questions that you have based on the reading?

5. When you have completed one reading, go on to the second reading...following the same steps (#3, and #4). When you finish the second reading go on to the third reading. You will need to have AT LEAST THREE SOURCES, however the more the merrier. You will need to keep reading the passages until you have read at least three, and all of your questions are answered.

6. Once you have read all of your sources (readings) then summarize the information that you found for each question.

What does it look like?

From Google Images: http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/printouts/Inquiry%20Chart.pdf

Other Sources

http://www.readingquest.org/strat/ichart.html

http://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/inquiry_chart/

Hoffman, J. (1992). Critical Reading/Thinking Across the Curriculum:Using I-Charts to Support Learning. Language Arts, 69 (2), pg. 121-127.