RESEARCH PROJECT

Phase 2 Checklist

Phase 2: Students submit the following for Phase 2 of their Research Project

Due Date: September 15th 2026

Format: Add to the SAME “Phase 1” Google Doc on the folder shared by City as Lab 

METHODOLOGY:

Include a detailed methodology (as per the rubric) that is aligned to the RQ and tests your hypothesis.

The methodology should:

    • Clearly align with the Research Question and hypothesis
    • Explain how data will be collected
    • Identify which primary research methods will be used

Possible research methods include:

    • Surveys
    • Interviews
    • Observations
    • Field visits
    • Mapping
    • Photography
    • Experiments
    • Data analysis
    • Environmental testing

Students should explain:

    • Who they will collect data from
    • Where the research will happen
    • Approximately how many participants they will involve
    • Why their sample group is appropriate
    • Justify why those methods are appropriate
DATA COLLECTION TOOLS:

The tools you will use:

  1. The exact questions in the survey with the options for responses
  2. The exact interview questions
  3. The observation checklist
  4. The places you will capture photos, the number of photos you will take, what will you photograph, etc.
  5. The tests you will conduct, any experiments, etc.
  6. Any other data collection tool details that are relevant to you
DATA ORGANIZATION:

A description of how this data will be organized- audio files on a drive, Students should ensure data is:

  • Clearly labelled
  • Properly stored
  • Easy to analyse later
  • Excel, Word, physical sheets, transcripts, photos on a drive, etc.
DELEGATION: 
  1. Who will do what?
  2. Individual responsibilities
  3. Division of tasks
  4. Research roles
  5. Timeline responsibilities
TIMELINE:

Depending on your research question, when will data collection begin and when will it end? Keep in mind that you need enough time to also analyse the data and write your paper. In some cases, you may need to collect additional data, Revisions and corrections, Analysis and interpretation

Final Reminder

The goal of the CaL Research Project is not only to complete an assignment.

It is to:

  • Observe the world carefully
  • Ask meaningful questions
  • Understand communities and systems
  • Use evidence responsibly
  • Think critically about real issues
  • Become more informed and thoughtful citizens

The strongest projects are those where students genuinely care about the issue they are investigating and use research to better understand the world around them.