The Simple Four is a problem-solving research model developed for South Carolina and works with the research and inquiry standard (Standard 6) in the 2007 ELA Academic Standards.

Step 1: PLAN

(Planning means that students are engaging the topic or assignment and deciding what they know about the topic; what they want/need to know about the topic; and what information they need about their topic to complete their assignment or research project.)

Students demonstrate the ability to:

•  Think about the assignment to understand the assignment
• Brainstorm, thinking about and listing possible topics and key words
• Think about information needed to complete the assignment or research project
• Narrow the list of topics and select one topic
• Complete a KWL chart
• Talk with teacher, peers, and library media specialist about the topic, the assignment/research project, and the information requirements
• Read to become informed about the selected topic
  • Browse the library resource collection by searching the OPAC
  • Conduct preliminary research in DISCUS, StreamlineSC, and the WWW
• Write a clear, concise thesis statement, focus question, or essential question