projectRESEARCH: Consider the Source
You just got your driver’s license. Your dad said he’d help you pay for a car of your own. Now the task is to decide what you want. Is what you want what you can afford? Is a lower-priced car going to be maintenance free? The best way to find out is to research the topic. First, you’ll gather information. Then you’ll read it make sure you have a clear understanding of that information and are not being conned. Then, based on that information, you’ll pick the car of your dreams. Research is a key element in making good decisions. Those decisions can be minor, such as deciding what you want to eat for breakfast, or they can be as important as purchasing a car. They might even be vital, such as selecting a hospital if you are sick.
In each case, the process that you use mimics this research project. First students find information about the topic. They can search the Web for the information that is needed. They then make sure that they have an understanding of what they have found and that the source is accurate. Finally, they make decisions based upon what they have learned.
Research is the tool that helps us to make informed decisions. This projects helps students in grades 7-12 learn the structure for creating a research project, from finding information to the creation of a presentation using information they have made their own.
Educational Resources
Produced: 2013
Subject Area: English; Language Arts; Literacy
Grade Level: 7-12
Resources: projectRESEARCH: Consider the Source Teacher Guide
Student Videos
Topics covered in this video include the following: Evaluating websites; Knowing search language; Tips for good searching; and Finding information.
They did their research, they found a site and it's on the topic. This video helps students understand the information they find and focus their ideas, both old and new, into a manageable topic. Topics covered in this video include the following: Understanding graphs; Primary, secondary and tertiary sources; Paraphrasing information; and Using proper citations.
Presentation of the information found is a critical factor, and students need to understand their audience. This video helps the student understand the different types of presentations that could be made. Topics covered in this video: Types of presentations; Social media; Acting as a reporter; and Doing a project.
