The Place for Infographics in Inquiry-Led Research

19.09.2016 by Anete Ezera

By Jenny Pieratt, CraftED Curriculum

Inquiry-based learning, although enticing, can also be intimidating. One way to start small with IBL is through inquiry-led research. Take out the old research note cards, visit the local library, and dump it on its head – infographics can help you do this!

Once students have developed a question and set out on their research journey, there are a few ways infographics can guide them:


1) A Benchmark for Research

One way for students to organize the data they are collecting is through the creation of a conceptual framework. Infographics require students to process and analyze their research. This helps them effectively distil and place the information they have collected. Students can create an infographic as a milestone in the research process.

This is a quick way for a teacher to conduct a “check for understanding” and see if the student is able to summarize and analyze the information they are collecting. It also provides a timing benchmark, which helps students manage their time in a larger project. 

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2) Data in Expository Writing

Once students have asked their own question and set out to find an answer, what do they do with what they find? Do they type it up into a research paper or do an oral report? They could, or they could drill down parts of that paper into an infographic that is much more appealing to read and also helps develop their written and oral claims.

CCSS asks students to integrate data into larger research projects. Data in various types of student writing often includes graphs or tables, but how impressive would it be to beef up this typical format of data and include a student-generated infographic?

An infographic can show more data than what is traditionally expected, adding depth to their work. Additionally, an infographic as data strengthens the claims stated in student writing. And finally, using infographics as data in a writing class affords an ELA teacher the opportunity to collaborate with a math or science teacher, thus creating an integrated and more robust learning experience for students.

3) The Final Product

Often times we assume that if students have asked their own questions, they don’t need to be an audience because they are researching something that only interests them. I want to challenge that notion by suggesting that what interests individual students likely interests others in the world beyond the classroom, and infographics can be a great way to disseminate this learning with an authentic audience.

When treated as a final product, infographics can become a richer project. There is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with a multimedia teacher or expert to support students in creating beautiful graphics and aesthetically appealing pieces of data art.

When this type of commitment is placed into a final product, student work can lead to a public celebration and exhibition of all that students learn through the process of chasing their own inquiry.

4) A Tool for Collaboration

When students conduct group research projects, based on similar inquiry interests, it’s sometimes difficult for them to collectively write a paper. Infographics provide an avenue for students to collaborate on a product that showcases what all of the students have learned throughout their research. Students can collaborate by identifying what goes onto the actual infographic, what visuals to use and how to organize it.

Want to learn more? Check out CraftED’s lesson Infographics which includes the student protocol for this process or the strategy. Should you decide to integrate infographics into your next research project, please share your experiences and student work below!


jenniferpJenny Pieratt, PhD is the Founder and President of CraftED Curriculum-an online resource of teaching tools for designing deeper learning experiences. She is a  National Faculty member of Buck Institute for Education, a former founding staff member of High Tech High North County and School Development Coach for New Tech Network. While she was in the classroom she  taught grades 5-10.

To learn more about Jenny and her work with CraftED visit www.craftedcurriculum.com and follower her on Twitter at @craftEDcm.


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