Research a topic

How Do I?‎ > ‎

1. Think About: Can we believe everything we read on the Internet?

2. Tips for Validating a Web Site

Who? What? Why? Where? When?
Check more than one source!
Use Common Sense!! Be critical - which means really think about what your reading and make sure you understand it!
More on the 5 W's - Who? What? Why? Where? When?
Evaluating Web Pages Handout
Always reference at least 3 different websites for any topic.

3. Apply It! How Do We Know a Real Website from a Fake One?

4. Suggested Sources:

World Book - Online Encyclopedia paid for by SWSD
Discovery Education (video research!) Also a service paid for by SWSD
BrainPop - introductory videos on topics
Wikipedia - great start, but can be very hard (complicated) depending on the topic. Try following up what you read on Wikipedia by clicking the links at the bottom. Remember, Wikipedia is written by collective effort - anyone in the world on the internet can contribute to Wikipedia.
Trusted Sources - Government Sites (NASA, CDC, NOAA) , Well Known Organizations (PBS, National Science Foundation, Philly Zoo). Think about: Who are the experts in your area? Start by visiting their website!
Google - Use the strategies above to make sure what you find is appropriate and accurate. You can also use the Advanced Search Screen to get more specific results.

Here are some more google tips:

5. More Tips:

You may want to keep your notes, important copied text and link, and web links you'd like to save, in a Google Doc. It will be accessible anywhere, anytime. And you can easily share it with others. Again, there is also the Google Research toolbar!
A tool like Diigo can be really helpful if you get serious about researching! Its has many more features than putting notes into just a Google Doc. Once you create an account, install a toolbar to make it really easy to use.
Don't forget to cite and keep track of your sources!! Google research toolbar, Son of Citation Machine EasyBib Zotero

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Bryan Tayman,

Dec 3, 2012, 6:04 AM