*Important - Keep a list of your sources; that includes any website, book (print or ebook), magazine, etc. that you use for information. (write down the title, author, date)
Don't be fooled! Anyone can put anything on a website.
Don't be fooled! Anyone can put anything on a website.
- Use common sense.
- Have some background knowledge.
- Who created the page? Is the author/organization qualified?
- Date the page was created and last updated
- Is it objective....or is there bias?
- Is the information on your level?
- Is the information of value for your topic?
- Is the site easy to navigate?
- Does the site have a keyword search function?
- Ignore advertising
- STOP! Before you Google for information, use the Library Web Page
- WebPath Express in the Library Catalog
- FactCite databases
- Encyclopedia Britannica
- Vermont Online Library
- TrueFlix
Some search tips
.gov
.org
.net
.com
- Narrow by domain
.gov
.org
.net
.com
- put quotes around the exact phrase you are searching - "American Revolutionary War"
Examples....
http://www.womensmemorial.org
http://www.factmonster.com
California's Velcro Crop Under Challenge
http://historymatters.gmu.edu
zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/
The Research Process
STEP 1...
Choose a topic that….
- is interesting to you
- you have some, but not a lot, of background knowledge about
- has enough information available on your level (check first)
- is not too broad or too narrow so it can adequately cover the assignment
- requires more than a yes or no answer
STEP 2....
Locate sources of information.
- SOURCES...ON YOUR READING LEVEL
- check library catalog
1. books - skim Contents, Index, check copyright date
2. databases on Library web page
STEP 3...
Read an overview article on your topic (encyclopedia?)
STEP 4...
What parts do I want to include?
Make a list or an outline.
See EXAMPLE
STEP 5...
Take notes from each source.
Keep a list of your sources, including title, author, publisher, & copyright date.
STEP 6...
Organize your information & decide how you will present it.
STEP 7...
Evaluate your project.
- What did you do well?
- Which parts were hardest for you?