Helpful hints and Strategies to research

8 steps Getting organized for Research Selecting a topic Background Reading for Historical Context Narrowing your topic Gathering and recording Information Analyzing and Interpreting sources Developing a thesis Developing, Improving, and Finalizing project.

Organization Develop and Maintain a Positive Attitude Develop a Paperwork Management System Discover human Resources Decide : Individual or Group Work Choose the Right Project.

Paperwork Management System 3- ring binder Accordion – sectioned Folders- – Manila with envelopes – Pocket

Helpful People English Science Social Studies Librarian Technology- Mrs. Lyons Outside Sources – Pikes Peak Libraries – University – Experts in subject – Eyewitness

Individual v Group Individual – Advantages Independence Decision making Schedule No issues in opinion or work ethic

Individual v Group Individual – Disadvantages Sole responsibility Little collaboration Lack of motivation

Individual v Group Groups – Advantages Improve collaborative skills Share ideas Make decisions together Utilize each person’s strengths and talents

Individual v Group Groups – Disadvantages Scheduling issues Differences of opinion Differences in work ethic ***** Communication issues

Projects Research Paper Web Site Exhibit Performance Documentary

Topic Selection Determine Research Questions – Who? – What? – Where? – When? – Why? – How?

Topic Selection Interest – The topic interests YOU – Brainstorm ideas Do not limit yourself Different perspective of an issue Individual point of view

Topic Selection Manageable – Fairly specific in focus – Narrow as you research

Topic Selection Tips – Don’t choose a topic that is too complex Technical Background knowledge – Don’t choose a very recent topic 25 year guideline

Topic Selection Relates to the Theme – Be able to clearly communicate either verbally or written how your topics connects to the theme.

Background Reading for historical context Note taking – Cornell – Outline – Index cards Source Sheets – Word document – Works cited – Index cards

Background Reading for historical context Sources – Books – Articles – Encyclopedias – Textbooks – Newspapers – Museum – Historical Societies

Background Reading for historical context Possible topic changes How does topic connect – History class – Time period

Background Reading for historical context Connection to BIG IDEAS – Civilization and Innovation – Human Interaction – Values, beliefs, political ideas, and institutions – Conflict and Cooperation – Patterns of social and political interaction

Background Reading for historical context Revision – Topic (narrowing) – Research questions Person/Idea/Issue Background / Context Impact/influence/ change

Background Reading for historical context Goals – Finalize topic – Narrow focus – Determine and write your research questions – Write a statement that connects your topic to the theme. – Write a “ Working title” – 2/10 start

Examples Theme: Taking a Stand – Basic Interest- Women and the Labor Movement – Narrowed Subject- Clara Lemlich (person) – Main idea to Connect topic to Theme: Clara Lemlich took a stand in 1909 by encouraging workers to go on strike for safer working conditions.

Examples Theme- Conflict and Compromise Basic Interest- Native Americans Narrowed Subject- The Sioux conflict and the Treaty of 1868 (issue) Main Idea to connect topic to theme: – Designed to bring compromise, the Treaty of 1868 actually led to the conflict between the Sioux and the poineers.

Examples Working Titles – Clara Lemlich: Taking a Stand for Working Women – Treaty of 1869: Compromise gone wrong.