SHE Science FairStep 2: Research Tutorial

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Getting StartedApproved by Teacher

Step 2: Research

Due:

You will be finding more information about your topic. For example, if you are doing an experiment about insulators you could research how insulators work, what insulators have been used in the past, and different types of insulators. If your project is about plant growth, you could research the type of plant you are using in your experiment, where it lives, what it needs in order to survive, or any special adaptions it might have. You need three sources for your research. The sources can be from print or online sources. Online sources need to be from scientific websites – these usually end with .edu or .org. The best place to start is at Mrs. Dawkins’ Library website. For each source, you need to list three things you learned that are related to your experiment. You also need to cite the source using the correct format. Part 1: Think of keywords or phrases that you can use to help you locate information on your topic. For example: insulator, thermal energy, temperature, thermometer, measuring thermal energy.

Write keywords or phrases here: 1. 5. 2. 6. 3. 7. 4. 8.

Part 2: Find a source (website or book). Start with an online encyclopedia or a book on your topic. If you are using an online encyclopedia, type in one of your keywords or phrases in the search bar until you find a good article that will give you lots of information you need. If using a book, locate keywords from the index. You do not need to read the entire book! Part 3: Record important bibliographical information!!! Then, use one of these websites to properly cite your sources: http://www.bibme.org/ or http://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/.

Now that you have developed the “Problem” that you want to solve, it’s time to learn a little more about your topic.

This is an important step before developing a hypothesis. Remember, your hypothesis is an “educated” guess to the solution to your problem. It’s time to educate yourself on your topic.

Start by thinking of questions you might have about your topic. Some example:

• “What are good materials I could use?”

• “How would I measure my independent variable?”

• “What are safety concerns I should consider?”

• “How much time will I need?”

Part 1: Keywords and PhrasesOpen the Step 2: Research Form in either MS Word or PDF. Type or jot down some keywords or phrases that can be used to type in a Database Search Bar. Think about your questions that you have thought about to help you (from the previous slide).

Part 2: Find a SourceOne of the easiest ways to get started is to use an Online Database. Start by going to the SHE website and click Library, then Databases.

We’ll start with World Book.

Source #1: World BookLog in ID: serenePassword: student

Choose the student edition.

Type in Keyword or Phrase……in the search bar, then click Search. Choose an article that interests you or that may lead you to good information.

Narrow your search if you find your list is too long.

Copy the CitationThis is a very important step! People who read your research need to know where you found your information.

World Book makes this easy. 1. Highlight and

copy the MLA citation at the bottom of the article.

2. Paste it to the correct spot in your Research Document.

Add info you have learnedAt the bottom of the Research Document is a space for recording what you have learned in the article. Try writing this in your own words; however,

IF YOU DECIDE TO COPY AND PASTE DIRECTLY, THEN BE PREPARED TO USE YOUR OWN WORDS WHEN CREATING YOUR PRESENTATION BOARD.

Source #2: BritannicaWe are ready for our second source of information. Let’s check out Britannica from the SHE Library Database web page.

Log in: serene Password: student

Keyword or PhraseJust like World Book, type in a keyword or phrase from your list and click Go.

Narrow your search if you need to by using the filter bar on the left.

Copy and PasteCopy and paste the citation into your Research Document. This time under Source #2.

Then, record information from this article just like you did from World Book.

Other SourcesYou do not have to find your sources from World Book or Britannica. You are allowed to get information from other websites that have .edu or .org at the end of the URL. Avoid websites like Wikipedia or private websites, because we do not know if the information there is factual or reliable.

When using another website, a book, or a hardbound encyclopedia, BE SURE TO COLLECT AS MUCH CITATION INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE! Use the Research Document to help you.

KnightCiteUse this website to help you develop your citation for your book, other website, or hardbound encyclopedia.

Enter as much information as you can and click Submit.

KnightCite cont.Copy and paste the citation to your Research Document.

Terms and DefinitionsSelect important terms from your research and write down their definitions in your Research Document. These do not need to be in your own words. Use a dictionary.

Research…Need to Know! There is no right or wrong when it comes to “What

can I research?” or “How much is enough?” Good researchers know exactly what they need to find and continue to search until they find what they need.

However, there ARE RULES regarding how to cite your sources and plagiarism. • Plagiarism: Using another person’s written thoughts, ideas,

or words to reflect your own without their permission.

Citations are a way of asking an author for their permission. Good

luck!!