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F.A. Day Library: Human Impact on the Environment

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Human Impact on the Environment

What is research?

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Databases

Databases are collections of vetted and reliable resources.  Databases are especially helpful in more academic research.

STEP 1 : EXPLORE

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

As you EXPLORE the possible topics you can choose from, do not take notes. This is the time to find a topic that captures your interest and that you want to know more about. Use these links to get a preview of the different traditions.

STEP 2 : IDENTIFY

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

Now that you have explored different topics, it is time to identify one that you will research in depth. During this stage you will create research questions. Use the background knowledge you built during Step 1 to help you generate your research questionsCreate research questions to guide you. (Group brainstorm)

Notes Document - open this document and then make a copy

STEP 3 : GATHER

Using your research questions as your guide, read from a variety of sources to gather as much information as you can to deepen your understanding of your topic.  In this step, you will need to determine which information is relevant and interesting for your research. You will also need to cite, quote,and paraphrase correctly in order to share your knowledge in an ethical way. Using several sources, take notes that will help you answer your research questions.

Creating Your Search Strategy for Online Searching

STEP 4 : CREATE

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

Now that you are becoming an expert on your topic, it's time to communicate what you've learned. During this phase it is important to go beyond just reporting the facts and summarizing content.  Remember, you'll need to use NoodleTools to create a bibliography citing all the sources you used for your research.

Using GoogleDocs to Cite a Source

STEP 5 : SHARE

Step 5 : Share. Share your knowledge. Learn from each other.

By engaging your classmates with the knowledge you have obtained and connections you have made, you will contribute to their learning.  In turn, your classmates will enrich your learning by sharing their knowledge and connections with you.  

 

 

STEP 6 : EVALUATE

Step six evaluate. Evaluate the achievement of learning goals. Reflect on content learned. Reflect on process.

The last step in the research process is important because it is the time when you reflect on the entire process and evaluatewhether you have met your learning goals, determine what worked and did not work for you in the research process, and decide what changes you can make when using the research process next time. 

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