A research question centers and directs your research and ensures focus in your paper or project. 

• Identify potential areas of interest
  • ​Class readings
  • Current science news
  • Encyclopedias and handbooks
     
• Start with a broad topic (e.g. melanin)
   
• Google your topic to gather basic knowledge and vocabulary
   
• Make a detailed concept map (e.g. types, roles in the body, biosynthesis, adaptation, etc.)
   
• Choose one aspect from your concept map
   
• Frame it as an arguable question
  • How? What? Why?
  • Not too broad, not too narrow
  • Use specifics
  • e.g. How does melanin protect our skin from the sun?