Step 2: Research Tutorial Click on the speaker throughout the presentation for audio.

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?”

Open 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).

One 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.

Log in ID: serene Password: student Choose the student edition.

…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.

This 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.

At 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.

We are ready for our second source of information. Let’s check out Britannica from the SHE Library Database web page. Log in: serenePassword: student

Just 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 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.

You 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.

Use 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.

Copy and paste the citation to your Research Document.

Select 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.

 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!!