The Geographic Inquiry Model
How to think like a geographer
Geographic Problem: What percentage of the Earth is covered by Land?
1. Ask Geographic Questions
Explore and focus your inquiry by developing criteria.
Question 1: What do we define as “land”?
Question 2:
Question 3:
Criteria:
2. Acquire and Organize Geographic Information
-collect data, evidence or information from primary and
secondary sources.
-identify points of view
-use a variety of methods to organize your research
Data Table
Land
Water
Count
Total
3. Analyze & Interpret Geographic Information
Seek patterns, relationships, and connections; synthesize observations into coherent explanations. Students
should note associations and similarities between areas, recognize patterns, and draw inferences from maps,
graphs, diagrams, tables, and other sources.
Using simple statistics, students can identify trends, relationships, and sequences.
Bar Graph of Land to Water
Circle Graph of Land to Water
4. Answer Geographic Questions & Draw Conclusions
Successful geographic inquiry culminates in the development of generalizations and conclusions based on the
data collected, organized, and analyzed. Skills associated with answering geographic questions include the
ability to make inferences, based on information organized in graphic form (maps, tables, graphs) and in oral
and written narratives.
5. Communicate
Use appropriate forms (create maps. Graphs, charts, diagrams or written arguments) that when combined,
clearly summarize your results. Cite your sources and make it visually appealing!