Making Research Easy! Make sure you understand the assignment before you start. Do it right the first time. Ask for help. Allow enough time for the project. Write down where you find your information as you find it. Break it down into smaller parts.

The Big 6 TM 1 Task Definition 2 Information Seeking Strategies 3 Location and Access 4 Use of Information 5 Synthesis 6 Evaluation Remember what your task is as you do each of the other steps.

Task Definition Get a general understanding of your topic and assignment. Ask questions so that you know what you are to do and by when. Start your research with an encyclopedia, dictionary, short article, etc. to get basic and brief information in order to gain a general understanding of your topic.

Information Seeking Strategies Consider which sources are best for your topic and project. How current should your information be? Consider what questions you need answered in order to determine which sources might be must helpful. Are there reputable and expert sources for your topic? Allow enough time to find the information.

Location and Access Gather as much information as you can. Use index cards to record your information. This allows for easy sorting. Have a variety of sources.

Use of Information Organize your Information. Be selective. Use the best information. You do not need to use everything. Remember your task as you put your information together. Determine the best way to organize and present your information.

Synthesis Put it together! Keep your task in mind as you create your project.

Evaluation Do a self-evaluation. Are there any weak or incomplete parts? Can you answer questions about your topic and/or project? Did you allow enough time?

In Other Words: 1 Listen 2 Think 3 Find 4 Select 5 Create 6 Reflect 1.Task Definition 2.Information Seeking Strategies 3.Location and Access 4.Use of Information 5.Synthesis 6.Evaluation TM

Internet Research Web Site Evaluation Guide Anyone can have a web site Who created or maintains this web site? Are the aims of the site clear? Is the site relevant for my purpose? Can the information be checked? When was the site produced? Is the information biased in any way? Opinion or fact? Is the site associated with a reputable association or organization?

Search Engines Google Altavista Dogpile

Boolean Operators AND OR NOT “George Washington”

World Book Encyclopedia Online Magazine Databases Newspaper Databases More!

Works Cited An alphabetical list of sources used in the project Use hanging indentation (First line of each entry is not indented, but all others are.) Follow the proper format (MLA, APA, etc.) The purpose of works cited is to supply the reader with the necessary information to find the same information that you used for your project.

MLA Format for Works Cited Works Cited is its own page. Center and capitalize Works Cited, then double- space. The entire page is double-space. You do not number the entries. Depending on what kind of source it is, write the needed information in the proper order with the correct punctuation between the items of information.

Example: Works Cited The Big 6TM, Information Literacy for the Information Age. Eds. Mike Eisenberg and Bob Berkowitz. 30 Aug Sept Gibaldi, Joseph. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Sixth Edition. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 2003.

How to take Notes Use index cards. Make a work cited card separate from your note cards. Put a keyword at the top of each note card. Use a graphic organizer. Devise your own method.

Graphic Organizer Source:Notes: Title_____ Notes: Title_____ Notes: Title_____ Source:Notes: Title_____ Notes: Title_____ Notes: Title_____

Note Taking Keep track of where the information came from incase you need to refer back to the original source. Write page numbers down if applicable. Give credit to the people whose ideas and/or words you use. Exact words need quotation marks. Keep quotes brief. Be brave and use a few quotes!