RESEARCH PROJECT

Phase 1 Checklist

Phase 1: Students submit the following for Phase 1 of their Research Project

Due Date: August 15th 2026

Format: As a Google Doc on the folder shared by City as Lab

RESEARCH QUESTION:

A well-written succinct RQ that meets ALL the criteria for City as Lab- See Lesson Plan called “Creating the RQ”

A strong Research Question should:

  1. Be specific and measurable
  2. Investigate a real issue or trend
  3. Connect clearly to one approved SDG and strand. Which SDG and which strand within the SDG is this question related to and how? See the Theme Document to understand the SDGs and related strands. This year’s RQs MUST be related to one of those only.
  4. Be possible to investigate through primary research or secondary research 
  5. Allow collection of meaningful data
  6. Avoid yes/no questions
  7. Avoid questions that are too broad or too opinion-based
RATIONALE:

A strong rationale that piques the reader’s interest by providing the following:

  1. A personal rationale for why you have crafted and selected THIS RQ. Students should explain:
    1. Why they selected this topic
    2. What interested or concerned them about the issue
    3. Any personal observations or experiences connected to the topic
    4. Why they believe this issue matters in their community or city
  2. Secondary research that is summarized to present a convincing argument for why this RQ is relevant to the city i.e., connects to the bigger picture. This must include two valid citations from within the last 5-8 years. The purpose of this section is to:
        • Show the larger context of the problem
        • Demonstrate why the issue matters beyond personal interest
        • Connect the local issue to broader trends or realities
        • Build a convincing argument for why the research is relevant

       Students should:

        • Use at least TWO credible sources
        • Prefer sources published within the last 5–8 years
        • Properly summarize and interpret the information
        • Avoid copying directly from sources
        • Properly cite all references used

       Acceptable sources include:

    1. Government reports
    2. Newspaper articles
    3. Academic journals
    4. NGO reports
    5. Research studies
    6. Census data
    7. Expert interviews
    8. Verified documentaries
    9. Reputable websites and databases
HYPOTHESIS:

A complete hypothesis that meets the following criteria:

      • It is directly related to the RQ and includes a “because…” statement. See rubric. 
      • It is not random but is based on the secondary research conducted above or brief primary research that you have done to identify the problem. 
      • It is a statement that represents what YOU think is the answer to your RQ and why, that can be tested by collecting data. The hypothesis has to be testable
BIBLIOGRAPHY: A bibliography is APA format at the end of the document

The bibliography should:

      • Include all secondary sources used
      • Follow a consistent citation format (APA preferred)
      • Include links, articles, reports, books, and interviews referenced

 

What Makes a Strong Phase 1 Submission?

Strong Phase 1 submissions:

      • Ask original and focused questions
      • Show strong understanding of the SDG connection
      • Include meaningful and current secondary research
      • Demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking
      • Present a logical and testable hypothesis
      • Show clear relevance to the city/community

The purpose of submitting one story in phase 2 is to ensure you are on the right track and receive feedback.