Four Question Alignment

Genuine inquiry is defined by the questions students are actually asking. The Syzygy framework structures the cluster around four questions a real investigator pursues. The first two belong entirely to the student.

What am I observing? Crosscutting Concept — student chosen

How will I investigate it? Science and Engineering Practice — student chosen

How does it fit what I'm learning? Disciplinary Core Idea — provided through the phenomenon and evidence

How can I show what I understand? Performance Expectation — provisional each iteration, formal at assessment

The first two questions belong to the student. The teacher's job is to design conditions rich enough that the choices emerge naturally.