Formulate initial questions – The first questions I think of about my topic help me focus my research. My questions will probably change as I gather information and rethink what I want to know.

Brainstorm – Brainstorming by myself or with others helps me come up with many ideas about my topic.

Build Background – I usually need some general knowledge about my topic before I can figure out what questions to ask.

Explore general sources – I can build background on my topic by looking in general references like encyclopedias.

Relate to prior knowledge – Thinking about what I already know about my topic helps me make connections to what I want to know.