How to do Research 3 rd Grade

How to do Research Did you know that you can access "all the information in the known galaxies"? It's true! In libraries and on the internet, you can find answers to almost any question you can think of. If you know how to do research, it can be much more fun... and faster too!

The BIG 6 The BIG 6 are the 6 steps to how to research. Step 1: Plan your project Step 2: Search for information Step 3: Take Notes Step 4: Use the information Step 5: Report Step 6: Evaluate

Step 1: Plan Your Project First Define your subject. "Who was the first dog to go into outer space?" o What do you want to find out? o What is the main question you're trying to answer? o Write this question down and keep it handy. Next Brainstorm o This exercise is lots of fun! Think of anything that reminds you of your subject. List as many ideas as you can – even if they seem silly. What do you already know? o The next step is to list what you already know about the subject.

Step 1: Plan Your Project Group similar ideas together and develop Key Words or Phrases. o space exploration o dogs and animals in space o Siberian huskies o history of space travel o animal astronauts o Sputnik

Step 1: Plan Your Project Make A QUEST STRATEGY. o Consider all the possible places where you might find answers to your questions. These are your RESOURCES. o Here are some resources you might use : LIBRARYCLASSROOMEXPERTSAT HOME Library catalog Reference books Nonfiction books Encyclopedia Newspaper Magazines Dictionary Computer tools Information CDs Search Engines The Internet Teacher Textbooks Reference books Encyclopedia Computer Online experts Government websites Park Rangers Biologists Specialists Naturalists Teachers Librarians Parents and grandparents Professionals Authors, writers Museum directors Educational video Television programs Books Encyclopedia Computer Parents Grandparents Relatives

Step 1: Plan Your Project Gather Your Tools. o Here are the basic tools you need for research: something to write with something to write on teacher's guidelines time to do research thinking cap (optional)

Step 2: Search for information These resources are where your key words and phrases will come in handy : o Library catalog (CCLS)CCLS Look up by Key Word, Author’s Name or Book Title o Encyclopedia Huge collection of information about many different subjects o Reference books: table of contents and indexes Books book specially written to help with research o Magazines and newspapers May can be searched and read online o Dictionary

Step 2: Search for information The one resource you will find the most material will come from the Internet : o You use a Search Engine to find information o A Search Engine is like a giant INDEX – just like the ones in the back of books. When you use a SEARCH ENGINE : o A SPECIFIC word or phrase will give you the best results. o If your query is too GENERAL, (such as "dog" or "space" ), you might get millions of matches. o But if you type "first dog in space" you'll probably get exactly the information you want.

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 1.The KWL method What I KNOWWhat I WANT to knowWhat I LEARNED

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 2. The fact finder method Main question : Who was the first dog to go into outer space? What I already know:Facts that I have learned: list your key words and phrases at bottom of page

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 3. Data Sheets method Main question : Who was the first dog to go into outer space? Source:Interesting fact

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 4. Clustering, mapping, webbing method Topic My Conclusion sentences or phrases that relate to your topic #1 sentences or phrases that relate to your topic #2 sentences or phrases that relate to your topic #3

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 5. Venn Diagram method The first creature in space was a dog sent up by the Russians in 1957 The United States sent a chimpanzee into outer space in 1961 Scientists first tested an animal before sending a person into space

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 6. Note Card method Topic: dogs in space before people Source #1 (This number identifies your source. See the BIBLIOGRAPHY section). BIBLIOGRAPHY Information (or quote): "Before astronauts orbited Earth, dogs paved the way for future exploration and for putting people in space.“ Page 34 (Identifies the page where you found your information)

Step 3: Take Notes There are many ways to take notes. They are; 7. Print or photocopy your pages. o Making copies of books and magazine articles: o Printing from a computer

Step 4: Use the information After you take your notes, it's time to use the information. Here are some steps to follow as you prepare your project : 1.Scan before you read. This means get a general idea of the page before you begin to read and take notes. 2. Put it in your own words. Ask yourself the following questions as your read; WHO? WHAT? WHERE? WHEN? WHY? HOW? WHO? - Laika was a stray dog who was trained for space flight. WHAT? - She was sent into outer space in Sputnik 2. WHERE? - The rocket was launched in Russia. WHEN? - It happened on November 3, WHY? -... to test whether creatures can survive in outer space... HOW? -... the rocket had a special dog carrier built in it...

Step 4: Use the information Add your own conclusions : 1.Include your own thoughts in your final project. Think of examples from your own life that relate to the project. 2.Ask Yourself. What do YOU think about what you've discovered?. Do the answers make sense?. Are they what you expected? How have you changed your opinions?

Step 5: Report Share what you have learned : 1.There are lots of fun ways to share your information with other people. Find your favorite from the list below. Things you can WRITE: Things you can CREATE: Things you can DO: Report Story Letter Feature article in newsletter or magazine Poem Brochure Portfolio Play Video Drawing Model Game Song Website PowerPoint presentation Give a Speech or Oral Report Talk to people Talk on the phone

Step 6: Evaluate The final step in the project is to EVALUATE yourself. 1.Ask yourself the following questions: How did you do? Did you follow the plan? Did you answer the main question? Did you record your information? How did you score on the rubric? Did you write down sources accurately? Did you present the information in the way it was assigned? Did you learn something? Was it fun to share with others? These 6 steps are the basics of doing research!