TASC Student Directed Inquiry study plan
TASC Student Directed Inquiry · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Research and Source Evaluation & Investigation Design and Methodology
Distinguish primary, secondary, and tertiary sources by sorting a set of ten real-world examples into the correct category with written justification.
Apply a five-criterion source-evaluation rubric (authority, accuracy, currency, objectivity, purpose) to three contrasting sources on one topic and rank them by reliability.
Identify and label the independent variable, dependent variable, and at least two controlled variables in four sample investigation scenarios.
Draft a one-paragraph problem statement that names a testable relationship between two variables.
Your checkpoint
A source-evaluation table scoring three sources on the five criteria plus a labeled variables diagram for one self-chosen investigation topic.
Research and Source Evaluation & Investigation Design and Methodology
Detect bias, loaded language, and missing context in two persuasive texts and rewrite one paragraph neutrally.
Compare a correlational design with an experimental design by listing the causal claims each can and cannot support.
Write three operational definitions that convert abstract constructs into measurable quantities.
Construct a sampling plan that identifies the target population, sampling method, and one plausible source of sampling error.
Your checkpoint
A two-page methodology outline for a chosen investigation containing research question, design type, operational definitions, sampling plan, and a bias audit of two sources.
Investigation Design and Methodology & Data Collection and Analysis
Design a data-collection instrument (survey, observation checklist, or measurement protocol) with at least eight items and a stated response format.
Pilot the instrument on three respondents or trials and record at least three concrete revisions.
Build a data table with clearly labeled columns, units, and a coding key for categorical responses.
Identify two ethical considerations (consent, anonymity, or minimizing harm) and write the safeguards you will use.
Your checkpoint
A revised data-collection instrument with pilot notes, a blank coded data table, and a short ethics statement.
Data Collection and Analysis & Inquiry Question Development
Collect a first batch of at least fifteen data points using the week-3 instrument and log them in the coded table.
Compute and interpret three descriptive statistics (mean or median, range, and one percentage or proportion) from the batch.
Refine the inquiry question into a single sentence that specifies population, variables, and measurable outcome.
Identify one data-quality problem in the batch and describe the correction applied.
Your checkpoint
A data log with at least fifteen entries, a descriptive-statistics summary sheet, and the finalized inquiry question sentence.
Data Collection and Analysis & Evidence-Based Reasoning and Argumentation
Complete the full data set and check it for missing values, outliers, and unit inconsistencies.
Create two visualizations (for example a bar chart and a scatter plot) with titles, axis labels, and units.
Write three evidence statements that each cite a specific number from the data set and connect it to the inquiry question.
Draft one alternative explanation for the observed pattern and state what evidence would distinguish it.
Your checkpoint
A complete cleaned data set, two labeled visualizations, and a three-statement evidence log with one counter-explanation.
Evidence-Based Reasoning and Argumentation & Inquiry Question Development
Construct a claim-evidence-reasoning paragraph that links the inquiry question, data, and conclusion.
Evaluate the strength of your own evidence by naming two limitations and their likely effect on the conclusion.
Revise the inquiry question or claim once in response to a limitation and document the reasoning.
Anticipate two objections a skeptical reader would raise and write a response to each.
Your checkpoint
A one-page argument outline containing the claim, three supporting evidence points, two limitations, and two rebuttals.
Communication and Presentation of Findings & Evidence-Based Reasoning and Argumentation
Draft a findings report with sections for question, method, results, and conclusion using plain, precise language.
Design one visual or table that makes the central evidence readable in under ten seconds.
Deliver a five-minute oral summary to a practice listener and record two pieces of feedback.
Revise the report to incorporate at least three specific feedback points.
Your checkpoint
A complete draft findings report of 600 to 900 words plus a one-slide evidence visual and a feedback log.
Communication and Presentation of Findings & Research and Source Evaluation
Produce a reference list of at least five sources in a consistent citation format and verify each link or page.
Finalize the findings report with an abstract, corrected citations, and a limitations section.
Rehearse and record a seven-minute presentation that states the question, method, evidence, and conclusion.
Complete a timed mixed-domain practice set and review every missed item with a written correction note.
Your checkpoint
A polished findings report with five-source reference list, a recorded seven-minute presentation, and a timed practice-set error log.
Milestones
Week 2: Can rank three sources by reliability using the five-criterion rubric and correctly label variables in a sample scenario without referring to notes.
Week 4: Has a finalized one-sentence inquiry question and at least fifteen logged data points collected with a piloted instrument.
Week 6: Can state a claim, support it with three numeric evidence points, and name two limitations that could weaken it.
Week 8: Submits a complete findings report with verified citations and delivers a recorded seven-minute presentation that a listener can summarize accurately.