How to Do a Research Project

MAKE A RESEARCH PLAN

STEP ONE : DO A FIRSTSEARCH

STEP ONE: DO A FIRST SEARCH TO REMEMBER AND DISCOVER BASIC INFORMATION

Use a graphic organizer (web or mind map) to help you get started.

Choose a topic. Ask your self what you know and want to know and write down your questions on the organizer.

Learn some basic information about your topic to find out where your questions fit in the big knowledge picture. Use basic reference materials to help you:

BASIC REFERENCE MATERIALS

DEAR

Dictionary

Encyclopedia

Atlas and/or Almanac

Reference Books and Trade Books

NOTE TAKING AND REFERENCES

Create a notetaking form and takes notes on the information (keywords, subtopics) you find using your questions as your main topics.

Create a references form and take notes on titles, authors, publishers, publication dates and call numbers.

BASIC SEARCHING STRATEGIES

Use the SMILKA acronym to help you with basic search strategies.

Remember "Sam, Sam, The Index Man." His only job is to point you in the right direction.



SMILKA

S Check SPELLING: Use a dictionary.

M Find important MEANINGS, definitions, and dates: Use a dictionary or encyclopedia.

I    Use INDEXES^1. in encyclopedias, books or use search engines online.

     The library computer catalog is an index to the library's collection.

L   If you are searching for a person, use the LAST NAME FIRST.

K   Select KEY WORDS and subtopics.

A   Try AGAIN if you don't have luck or ASK for help

STEP TWO: MAKE YOUR RESEARCH PLAN USING INFORMATION FROM FIRSTSEARCH

STEP TWO - RESEARCH PLAN: PLANNING INSTRUCTIONS

STEP TWO - RESEARCH PLAN: PLANNING TEMPLATE

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