Research Help   -  How to tackle a research project

 

Here are 2 places to help you get started:

Kid's Connect Tools - Follow a few easy steps to a great research project

Big 6 For Kids - This website gives you  step-by-step help with the research process. 

Use the worksheet below to help you from start to finish.

 

Big 6 Worksheet - use these guidelines to help you with your research 

STEP 1:  TASK DEFINITION - What am I supposed to do? What information do I need to do this?

STEP 2:  INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES - What are the best sources of information for this project?

  • Encyclopedia

  • Atlas

  • Almanac

  • Nonfiction books

  • Internet

  • Online databases

  • Magazines

  • Any other source that would be appropriate for your project

STEP 3:  LOCATION AND ACCESS - Where will I find these sources?

  • Maclary School Library - use the online catalog to help you locate nonfiction books, check the reference section for encyclopedias, atlases, or almanacs, and don't forget to ask your librarian for help.

  • Public library

  • Use this website that includes several databases with all kinds of information:  UDLib Search

  • These websites are search engines. Type in your search term (what you're looking for) and you will get several websites that will give you information on your topic.

                                Yahooligans!

                                Google for Kids

                              Kids Search Tools

                                Ask for Kids

  • Follow these tips for a successful Internet search.

STEP 4:  USE OF INFORMATION - How will I record the information that I find?

  • Take notes using note cards

  • Take notes using a word processor

  • Illustrate concepts - it may be helpful to draw a picture of an idea that you find

  • Put your notes in outline form

Don’t forget to record the appropriate information you will need for a bibliography. You always need to give credit to your sources. Click here to see what you need to do or use these websites to help you:

 

STEP 5:  SYNTHESIS - How will I present my information?

Try one of these ideas:

  • Commercial

  • Game

  • Diorama

  • PowerPoint

  • Chart

  • Mobile

  • Advertisement

  • Word Search

  • Speech

  • Demonstration

  • Collection - collage, display, mini-museum

  • Cartoon

  • Flag

  • Graph

  • Project cube

  • Brochure

  • Puzzle

  • Time line

  • Oral report

  • Written report

Remember that no matter how you present your information, you must give credit to your sources.  You will need to include a written bibliography (See Step 4 for the correct way to make a bibliography.)

STEP 6:  EVALUATION - How will I know if I have done my best? If you can answer YES to the following questions, you have probably done a great job.

  • Did I do what I was supposed to do?

  • Is my purpose clear and supported by details?

  • Is my work well organized with an introduction, a body, and a conclusion that ties everything together?

  • Is the information in my final product from my notes and does it answer the question I researched?

  • Is the spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization correct?

  • Did I give credit to all my sources?

  • Is my work neat?

  • Is my work complete and does it include my name?

 

Adapted from the organizer found at www.standrews.austin.tx.us/library/ElementaryOrganizer.ht

 

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