What Do You Mean I Have To Do Research? Mr. White 6 th Grade Earth Science Introductions Continue

What is research? ▪ The systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions; to investigate systematically. ▪ Basis of the scientific method and thus the basis for all sciences. ▪ It is NOT a Google search where you copy the information. ▪ Nor is it copying the information that someone else has gathered, that is plagiarism. ▪ Can be looking for information in print, performing experiments, or observing things to gather information about them.

Mr. White’s Research Rules of the Road ▪ Google will only be used as directed and not as a primary source! ▪ All research will be conducted through the Cobb Virtual Library, and only use the sources found there. ▪ All copyright policies and laws will be followed, credit will be given to those who created the original content. ▪ You will not copy word for word unless the direct quote is essential to your research. You will follow all ELA rules regarding direct quotes and we will include bibliographies in our work. ▪ Take notes, take notes, and take notes – Paraphrase – Be sure to note where you got the information.

Copyrights ▪ The writing or source you are using was created by someone, and they own the work. You must give them credit for their work/information. ▪ Plagiarism is when you hold someone else’s work out as your own. For example, copying word for word and not giving credit to the source. ▪ Cobb County considers this a form of academic dishonesty, and so do I. If you are caught, you will receive a zero as a grade and face disciplinary action (office referral). ▪ ALWAYS give the credit required, when in doubt…give it out!

How do I paraphrase or take notes? ▪ First, read the entire article or piece of information. ▪ Then think about the information that you need from what you have read. What information will support or inform about my topic or my thesis statement? ▪ Reread the article with this in mind, use a highlighter or pencil to underline the important points. ▪ Finally, on a piece of paper, copy the short phrases changing words and phrasing to your own way of speaking. Retain the original information but say it differently.

Taking Notes

Note Taking Tips

Getting Organized ▪ Know what you are researching, have a clear thesis statement or goal. ▪ Use graphic organizers or outlines to organize main topics and notes. ▪ Outlines and graphic organizers should be used to create your rough draft. ▪ You should have several main topics each with several subtopics under them to create a complete rough draft. ▪ Maintain a list of sources in case you need more information or clarification on a topic, and to make your bibliography.

The Writing ▪ All writing in science class is formal, no abbreviations or text talk. ▪ Proofread, check grammar and spelling. ▪ Get someone else to proofread your work for understanding and ELA conventions. ▪ If you are typing your paper in MS Word and it tells you something is spelled wrong or there is a problem with sentence structure…fix it! ▪ Formal writing is always in third person. ▪ Sentence types and structures should be varied to avoid boring your reader.

The Final Product ▪ Presentations should be neat and error free. ▪ Written papers should be typed or neatly written, and include a title page and a bibliography. ▪ If you are presenting what you researched, practice your presentation before you come to class. ▪ Maintain good eye contact with your audience, speak clearly and loudly, and sell them what you are presenting. ▪ Rubrics for projects will be provided so that you know where you are on the grading scale.

Being a Good Audience ▪ First and foremost, when anyone is presenting, you will be quiet and respectful. ▪ Support the presenter by looking at them and what they are showing you, and only ask questions at the appropriate time. ▪ If they are having trouble, we will encourage them and we will not laugh at them. ▪ Sometimes a presenter will need assistance, if so raise your hand silently and wait to be chosen. If you are not picked, that is okay, keep personal commentary to yourself.

Questions?

What is Up for Tomorrow? We will be discussing the scientific method and lab safety tomorrow.