SO YOU’RE DOING A RESEARCH PROJECT? Using the Big6 Model to Answer Your Questions

What is the Big6?  The Big6 is a problem-solving model we can use to gather information.  The Big6 uses search skills with technology to help us locate, use, apply, and evaluate information.  The Big6 helps us sort through large amounts of information to find only what is most useful and relevant.

What are the parts of the Big6? Task Definition Information Seeking Strategies Location and Access Use of Information Synthesis Evaluation Take this Quiz when you finish! Clicking the button at any time will bring you back to this page. For additional reading, click References.

Task Definition  Make sure you understand your assignment by restating it in your own words.  Ask your teacher for help if you are unsure about what to do.  Make a list of the questions you want to answer.

Information Seeking Strategies  Brainstorm all possible sources to use for your research.  Don’t forget to consider both print and digital sources! Ask your teacher or librarian for recommendations.  Select the sources that you think will best answer your questions.

Location and Access  Figure out where you will get your sources.  Locate the sources that you predict will have the most relevant information.  Organize your information by listing the sources you use, their location in the library, as well as their copyright information. Don’t forget to bookmark URLs for future reference!  Using keywords for searching, locate the information you need.

Use of Information  Read, listen to, or view your source to find the information you need.  If you don’t understand something you read or hear, ask an adult for help.  Take notes, organizing your information into helpful categories.  Be sure that you answer all of the questions you have written down.

Synthesis  Organize your information and begin work on your presentation. This might include creating an outline or writing a rough draft.  Follow your teacher’s guidelines for presenting your project. You might type a final copy of your paper, create a PowerPoint and give an oral presentation, or create a video.  Don’t forget to include a bibliography, giving credit to the sources you used!

Evaluation  Judge your final product. How did it turn out?  Think about your research process. What went well? What was hard?  Use a checklist to reflect on how you did, as well as how you can improve next time. Your teacher might have a rubric that you can use to evaluate your work before you turn it in.

Quiz Click “True” or “False” to answer each question.  Your teacher is the best person to ask if you don’t understand the assignment. True or False?  It is important to consider both print and digital sources. True or False?  You don’t need to worry about keeping track of where you find information. True or False?  If you don’t understand something you read, you should immediately look for a different source. True or False?  It isn’t important to include a bibliography as long as your teacher was with you when you did your research. True or False?  It is important to think about how you did on your research project so that you can learn from your mistakes and do better next time. True or False?  References

That’s right! Your teacher can let you know exactly what she expects and can help with any questions or concerns you may have. Back to the Quiz Questions

Oops! Try again! Back to the Quiz Questions

That’s correct! Although print sources used to be the most commonly used, there are now lots of reliable digital resources available. Ask your teacher or librarian for suggestions! Back to the Quiz Questions

You’re correct! You should always keep track of where you find your information, just in case you need to go back and find it again. You will also need this information so that you can give credit to the authors of your sources. Back to the Quiz Questions

That’s exactly right! You shouldn’t give up on a source just because you don’t understand something right at first. Ask your teacher, a librarian, or another adult for help before deciding something is too hard. Back to the Quiz Questions

Excellent! You should always give credit to your sources, whether your teacher was with you or not. This way if someone wants to find out more about your topic, they have a list of resources for further reading. Back to the Quiz Questions

You’re right! Thinking about what you do right, as well as how you can improve, will help you to do better on future projects. Back to the Quiz Questions

References More About the Big6 Big6. Buzzeo, T. The Big6 Student Checklist. Library Media Connection, 26 (7). Retrieved April 2, 2008 from Wilson OmniFile Full Text database. Clip Art Animation Gold. Free Fever Clip Art. Microsoft PowerPoint Clip Art