Cubing
Cubing - a method for discovering ideas about a topic by using six strategies (in any order) to investigate it: describe it, compare it, associate it, analyze it, apply it, and argue for or against it. (Language Arts PASS 6th-8th grades Glossary)
Cubing for Prewriting Social Studies use of cubing -- also gives definitions for each term (scroll down), and gives ideas about group use. Cubing, a literacy strategy - a strategy that can be used in all content areas, that requires students to look at information in different ways, and that requires thinking! NOTE: Students can cube without researching. Very often students will think they know "everything" about a subject. Research to validate what they know and to learn more.