HISTORY DAY RESEARCH TIPS
Learning Targets Students will be able to identify and utilize effective research methods. Students will be able to locate quality sources. Students will be able to organize their research.
1. FINDING SOURCES Books on cart Internet sources Go to WMS website, choose “7 th Grade,” then “History Day,” then “Research Tips and Links.” Click here for link Click here for link Library Interviews “ Ask A Librarian” link on HCL site
2. SOURCE REQUIREMENTS Remember sources are per person! 10 major sources required for everyone Quality projects will have even more! If in a group, only 5 can be shared! Include many primary sources (about ½) Use a variety of different types of sources Annotation required for each
3. USING SOURCES Evaluate source (expert?) NO Wikipedia (but can use as a jumping off point) Do not plagiarize (use own words!) Complete an entry in your EasyBib.com annotated bibliography after EVERY source you use. In other words, keep track as you go!!! (more on this later.. ) Possible types of resources: books anthologies (collections of oral histories or primary sources) internet sites interviews newspapers (online or print) Photographs documentaries Etc!!!!
4. KEY QUESTIONS What are the causes? (background and build-up) What are your main arguments? (thesis and heart of story) What are the effects? (short term impact and long term change)
5. ORGANIZE RESEARCH Answer key questions Use notebook, notecards or other teacher- approved method Use a two-pocket folder for History Day papers and notebook
6. LABELING NOTEBOOK (or notecards) See Notebook file
5. SAVING INFORMATION AND PICTURES Choose a format!!! Google Docs Great for groups to share information Best for exhibits and performances USB (flash) Drive Portable but easy to lose Best for websites and media docs (to save pics) Student Folder Works well in school, but can’t be opened elsewhere Best for websites and media docs (to save pics)
6. PRINTING REQUIREMENTS Take notes as you research Print with permission only! Unless you are at home—no limit from us on that! Exhibits: Copy and paste images into Word document and size to avoid wasting paper Media & Websites: don’t print; save pics in jpeg format on USB Drive or in student folder
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS 1. Do secondary research first!
2. Find different viewpoints for your subject! Like the scene of an accident – different witnesses know different things BONUS ARMY PRESIDENT HOOVER CONGRESSMEN WRIGHT PATMAN AMERICAN PUBLIC CONGRESSMEN OPPOSING THE BONUS BILL GENERAL MCCARTHUR & ARMY THE BONUS MARCH & REMOVAL OF THE BONUS ARMY WITNESS OF REMOVAL ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
3. Use key terms to find information and primary sources EXAMPLE: 19 th Amendment People / Groups – Susan B. Anthony, NAWSA, NWP, Alice Paul, President Wilson Events – S.B. Anthony illegal voting, picketing of White House, Wyoming getting the vote, Hunger Strike, Senate debate over bill, 19 th Amendment passes Dates – July 19-20, 1948; August 18, 1920 Topics – Seneca Falls Convention, 19 th Amendment Different Viewpoints – Congressmen, Liquor Lobby, regular women, members of NWP Places – Seneca Falls, Washington D.C. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
4. Don ’ t depend on the internet! Use different places to get information. Interviews Libraries – school/college Minnesota Historical Society ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
5. Use a kids non-fiction book early in research for unfamiliar topics! ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
6. Use the index, chapter headings, and skim books to help you find information in larger books. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
7. If in a group, split up the work!!! (Use key terms and communication to help.) ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
8. Don ’ t forget the recommended web links and to enter sources in easybib as you go!!! ADDITIONAL RESEARCH TIPS
Brainstorm In your notebook, create two circle maps that brainstorm different viewpoints on your topic and key terms you can search for in your research. Viewpoints on __________ Key Terms on __________