Extraordinary Origins Slides Research Phase: Planning
Extraordinary Origins
Mapping your journey from curiosity to a complete research profile.
The Selection
Who qualifies as "Extraordinary"? Look for someone who has:
Changed the way people think or live.
Overcome significant obstacles or challenges.
Achieved something unique in their field.
Quick Task
Draft 3 names of people who spark your curiosity. Why do they fit the "extraordinary" label?
The Inquiry Engine
Great research starts with questions that go beyond simple facts.
Level 1: Facts
When were they born? What did they invent/do? Where did they live?
Level 2: Context
What was happening in the world around them? Who helped or hindered them?
Level 3: Impact
How is the world different because of them? What is their lasting legacy?
Challenge: Write down one "Level 3" question for your chosen person right now.
Source Scavenger
Where to Look
Biographies & Memoirs (Deep Dive)
Educational Sites (.edu, .org, .gov)
Documentaries & Interviews
Watch Out!
Not all websites are created equal. If a site looks like it was made in 1995, has no author listed, or is filled with ads, keep searching! Aim for 3 diverse sources .
Fact Filing System
Don't just copy-paste. Use the Identify, Reword, Cite method to organize your notes:
01
Identify
Find a specific fact that answers one of your inquiry questions.
02
Reword
Explain the fact in your own words. Why does it matter?
03
Cite
Note down exactly which source this information came from.
Building the Skeleton
An essay is just an organized set of answers. Map it out:
I
Introduction
The Hook + Thesis (Why they are extraordinary)
B
Body Paragraphs
Early Life & Obstacles, The Achievement, Global Impact
C
Conclusion
The Final Legacy + Why their story matters today
Mission Checklist
Person Selected
3 Inquiry Questions Written
3 Reliable Sources Found
Ready for Launch?
Once your plan is solid, the writing becomes the easy part. Let's get to work!
Research Mission Worksheet Research Dossier: Phase 1
Research Mission Planner
Mapping the legacy of an extraordinary individual.
Agent:
Date:
1
The Selection
Identify one extraordinary person you find fascinating. Why does their story need to be told?
Chosen Individual
Why they qualify as "Extraordinary"
2
The Inquiry Engine
What specific questions will guide your search? Aim for depth (Level 3 questions).
Question 1 (The Facts: Who, What, Where)
Question 2 (The Context: How, Why)
Question 3 (The Impact: Legacy, Change)
3
Source Scavenger
List 3 reliable sources (books, articles, documentaries) you will use for your research.
Source 01: Title / Author / URL
Reliability Score:
Key takeaway from this source
Source 02: Title / Author / URL
Reliability Score:
Key takeaway from this source
Source 03: Title / Author / URL
Reliability Score:
Key takeaway from this source
4
The Skeleton
Map your essay's structure before you start writing.
Introduction (Hook + Thesis)
Body Paragraphs 1. Early Life 2. Achievement 3. Impact
Conclusion (Legacy + Summary)
Planning Phase Complete. Transition to Research Dossier: Phase 2 (Drafting).
Extraordinary Origins Teacher Guide Instructional Blueprint
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson: Extraordinary Origins Planning
Target Time
60-90m
Learning Objective
Students will define research inquiry questions, identify reliable sources, and create a structured outline for a biographical research essay on an extraordinary individual.
Preparation
• Project Extraordinary Origins Slides
• Print Research Mission Worksheet (1 per student)
• Pre-approve a list of 5-10 people for students who struggle to choose.
Lesson Flow
0-10m
Introduction & Hook (Slide 1-2)
Define "Extraordinary." Discuss local or world figures students admire. Distribute the Research Mission Worksheet and have students brainstorm their chosen person in Step 1.
10-25m
Inquiry & Questioning (Slide 3)
Guide students to write Level 1, 2, and 3 questions on their worksheet. Use Slide 3 to demonstrate how depth increases from Level 1 to Level 3. Walk around to verify that Level 3 questions are open-ended.
25-45m
Source Evaluation (Slide 4)
Model how to search for reliable sources. Show a "bad" website vs. a "good" educational source. Have students record their first source on the worksheet and check for author/date indicators.
45-55m
Fact Filing Strategy (Slide 5)
Introduce the Identify, Reword, Cite method. This ensures students are ready to take notes without plagiarizing once they start reading. Explain that skipping this step is the #1 cause of accidental plagiarism.
55-70m
Outlining the Skeleton (Slide 6)
Demonstrate how inquiry questions map to body paragraphs. Students complete their outline "skeleton" on the worksheet based on their three key questions. This is the "blueprint" for their future essay.
70-80m
Mission Checklist (Slide 7)
Peer review. Students swap worksheets and verify their partner has 3 clear questions and 3 potential sources identified. Students initial their partner's mission log.
Common Hurdles
Decision Paralysis
Students spend the whole period choosing a person. Give a 5-minute timer, then assign a person if they haven't chosen.
Copy-Paste Trap
Remind students that the planning phase is about questions, not answers. Answers come in the Researching phase (Phase 2).
Differentiation
Scaffolded Inquiry
