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Observe the satellite image. You are going to formulate three questions that arise as a result of observing this location; but, before writing your questions, think about the prior knowledge you have related to this image or location.

For example, you might have already concluded that:

• the blue represents water;

• the light areas represent desert-like conditions; and

• the vertical line of green that fans near the top is an area with lush vegetation.

When formulating questions, consider the following Criteria for Effective Questions:

1. My questions lead to new information. Never ask a question to which you already know the answer.
2. My questions are open. Do not ask questions with a simple yes or no answer. They rarely reveal important details.
3. My questions lead to new information. Ask questions that help make connections. Who, what, when, and where are important questions in the beginning. However, the most revealing questions usually begin with why, how, would, will, might, or should.
4. My questions are clear. The use of geographic language and ideas directs my inquiry.

Considering the criteria above, and what you already know, formulate three questions.

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Q Chart - Questioning Grid

Factual

Pick one of:

• What
• Where
• When
• Who

Pick one of:

• is/are
• did/do
• can

Predictive

Pick one of:

• What
• Where
• When
• Who

Pick one of:

• would/should
• will
• might/could

Analytical

Pick one of:

• Why
• How

Pick one of:

• is/are
• did/do
• can

Application/Synthesis

Pick one of:

• Why
• How

Pick one of:

• would/should
• will
• might/could

The “Q Chart” is a useful tool in formulating effective questions. It provides you with some great leading words and at the same time lets you assess the depth of your level of questioning. As an example, a Level 1 question might start off as “What is…” or “Where can…”  while a Level 4 question would begin with “How should….” or “Why might...” The level of question asked will affect the complexity of the answer. All levels of questions will lead to good inquiries, but Level 4 questions usually reveal the deepest understanding.  

Go back to your three questions: What level do they fit on the Q chart?  

Return to the criteria for effective questioning. Use these criteria to formulate two additional questions about the original image. Ensuring you have questions from each level in the Q Chart will always move your inquiry forward.