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F.A. Day Library: Ancient Rome Research

Research Tips

1. Search general topics before moving on to more specific topics to build background knowledge.

2. Use Chrome, which allows you to split open tabs in multiple screens when taking notes on websites/databases. 

3. Use the table of contents and the index in books to quickly locate information. 

4. Use Command + F (or Control + F on a Chromebook) to search for a word on a website. This is similar to using an index in a book. 

 

6 Step Research Process

Day Six Step Research Process

Research Terms

Annotate : add notes to give an explanation or comment

Boolean Operator : Terms used to help broaden or narrow a search in a database. They are AND, OR and NOT.

Curate : to collect, select and present information or items such as pictures, videos, music, etc. using expert knowledge

Database a collection of information that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed and updated. Information found in databases is vetted and reliable. 

Keyword : the most important words used to explain a concept

Reliableconsistently good in quality or performance; able to be trusted

Search Engine : a computer program used to search the Internet for documents that contain certain keywords or phrases

 

Synonym : a word or phrase that means the same thing, or nearly the same thing, as another word or phrase

 

Vet: make careful or critical examination of something

 

Step 1 : EXPLORE

Step One Explore. Explore Interesting topics. Keep your mind open. Build background knowledge.

Preliminary Research / Flash Research

These websites have short blurbs of information about various topics relating to ancient Rome.

They are good for exploring, sparking thinking, and finding topics of interest. These sites will help you to continue to build your background knowledge.

Background knowledge is the glue that helps learning stick!

Ancient Rome Sites

Ancient Rome Ancient Rome and Italy from the Etruscans to the fall of Rome. 
Rome: Republic to Empire Includes historical, civilization and cultural topics. 

Ancient Rome for Kids This helpful website provides numerous links about Ancient Rome’s daily life, schooling, people, geography and many more with a click away.

Livius.org Explore information about the Roman Empire by clicking on the blue tabs.

PBS: The Roman Empire PBS series showcasing some of the most intriguing and historically significant people, places, and events from first century Rome.

Ancient Rome - History.com

Rome - National Geographic

Resisting Slavery in Ancient Rome - BBC

The Secrets of Ancient Rome’s Buildings - Smithsonian.com  

The Gladiators of Rome - Ancient Origins

 

 

STEP 2 : IDENTIFY

Step two Identify. Pause and ponder. Decide research topic. Identify inquiry questions.

During Step 2, Identify, you will begin to create a strategy for finding information.

To begin, you will choose a topic and then identify researchable questions. You should have both open (bottom of the iceberg) and closed (top of the iceberg) questions. You will use these questions to guide your research. Add your research questions to the Questions section of your packet.

Iceberg Questions

Creating Your Search Strategy for Online Searching

Step 3 Gather : Teacher Curated Sites

Ancient History Encyclopedia The world's most- read history encyclopedia. Search by keywords, timelines, maps and more. 

Ancient Rome Ancient Rome and Italy from the Etruscans to the fall of Rome. 
Roman Emperors Alphabetical list of Roman emperors. Click a name to learn about that emperor. 
Rome: Republic to Empire Includes historical, civilization and cultural topics. 

Ancient Rome for Kids This helpful website provides numerous links about Ancient Rome’s daily life, schooling, people, geography and many more with a click away.

Livius.org Explore information about the Roman Empire by clicking on the blue tabs.

PBS: The Roman Empire PBS series showcasing some of the most intriguing and historically significant people, places, and events from first century Rome.

Ancient Rome - History.com

Rome - National Geographic

Resisting Slavery in Ancient Rome - BBC

The Secrets of Ancient Rome’s Buildings - Smithsonian.com  

The Gladiators of Rome - Ancient Origins

STEP 4 : CREATE

Step 4 Create. Integrate facts with prior knowledge. Create to communicate. Cite your sources.

 

Digital Project Tools

Canva

WeVideo

Google Slides

 

Examples of Project Ideas (taken from Egypt Museum)

F.A. Day Middle School Library
21 Minot Pl., Newton, MA 02460 / 617-559-9139