Teaching toolkit
Research sprint
Timed information search with source checking: find, evaluate, and synthesize reliable information quickly. Builds exactly the information literacy the internet demands.
How the method works
- 1
Set the research task and time limit (15 to 20 minutes); review the source criteria.
- 2
Sprint: teams research collaboratively and record the source + key takeaway.
- 3
Check sources: assess each source you use against the criteria (who? when? why?).
- 4
Condense: boil the result down to three key points supported by evidence.
- 5
Brief introduction with sources cited; unsupported claims don’t count.
Material
- Source pack
- Research assignment
- Review criteria
You can find free, ready-made worksheets for the work phase in the TeachPie Marketplace , sorted by subject and grade, in three levels.
Common pitfalls in practice
- Provide access to sources and criteria for evaluating sources
Variants
- Fake hunt: A dubious source is deliberately circulated. Who can expose it?
- Comparison sprint: Two teams research the same question using different sources and compare their findings.
In TeachPie, the planning AI suggests Research sprint automatically when it fits the phase, timing, and class, including ready-to-use materials.