The Super 3 and The Big 6
Inquirers,  Knowledgeable,  Thinkers,  Communicators,  Principled,  Open-Minded,  Caring,  Risk-Takers,  Balanced,  Reflective

The Super3 and Big6 information problem-solving models were developed by Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz.  TCIS teachers and Learning Commons staff promote the use of these models during the inquiry cycle.  All Super3 and Big6 images and information found here are used with the permission of Mr. Eisenberg. 

K1-G2 Resources

The Super3

The Super3 is the steps of inquiry in K1-G2.  

1.  Plan:

• What am I supposed to do?

• What will it look like if I do a really good job?
• What do I need to find out to do the job?

2.  Do:

• How can I find the information I need? 
• Where can I find the information I need? 
• Read, watch, and listen to the information. 
• Identify the answers to your inquiry questions and write them down. 
• Cite your sources. 
• Organize your information.
• Put it together in a way you can easily share it with others. 

3.  Review: 

• Stop and think:  Is this done? 
• Did I do what I was supposed to do?
• Do I feel OK about this? 
• Should I do something else before I turn it in? 

This information was found at TheBig6.org.  The TCIS Learning Commons has added some clarifying information. 

The Big6

The Big6 is the steps of inquiry in Grades 3-12. 

Task Definition
1.1  Define the information problem
1.2  Identify information needed (to solve the information problem)

• What is my current task (what is my question, and what do I have to do or make with the information)?
• What are some topics or questions I need to answer?
• What information will I need in order to answer the question? 

Evaluation
6.2  Judge the process

• Did I get the question right or do I need to rephrase it?
• Did I discover more gaps in my understanding?  ​

Information Seeking Strategies
2.1  Determine all possible sources of information for this topic
2.2  Select the BEST sources

• What are the best sources of information for this task?
• How can I evaluate each source of information? 

Evaluation
6.2  Judge the process

• Is there a source I missed? 
• Is there a source I evaluated incorrectly? 

Location and Access
3.1  Locate sources (intellectually and physically)
3.2  Find information within the sources

• What keywords will I use?
• What interview questions must I ask?
• How can I search for information in this source? 
• How can I reframe my search to find what I need? 

Evaluation
6.2  Judge the process

• Do I need to add more keywords? 
• Do I need to find a greater variety of sources? 

Use of Information
4.1  Engage (e.g., read, hear, view, touch)
4.2  Extract relevant information

• What information do I expect to find in this source? 
• What information from the source is useful?
• How does this information help me answer my question(s)?
• How do I cite this source? 
• Which pieces of information should I directly quote, and which should I paraphrase? 

Evaluation
6.2  Judge the process

• Do I need more or better support? 
• Do I need to more accurately cite my sources? 

Synthesis
5.1  Organize from multiple sources
5.2  Present the information

• How will I organize my information? 
• How should I present my information? 

Evaluation
6.1  Judge the product

• Have I introduced each quote and paraphrase?
• Have I used a parenthetical citation at the end of each quote and paraphrase?  
• Have I used the 6 Traits of writing to do my best work?  
• Is my work in the right form to best reach my audience? 
• Is my work well-organized and easy for my audience to follow and understand?  

• Am I happy to share this work with others? 

6.2  Judge the process

• Have I gone through the writing process or creative cycle? 
• Have I gotten any peer feedback on my work?
• Do I need to do more?  

This information was found at TheBig6.org.  The TCIS Learning Commons has added some clarifying information. 

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Big 6 Instructional Materials

Find handouts, graphic organisers, templates and presentations to help you implement the Big6 and Super3.