I Wonder… How to Do Research for the I Wonder Project? Irvington High School Library Research Tutorial, last updated September 2011

Scientific Researchers Use a Variety of Sources Book Reference Interview Periodical Academic Journal Websites

Where to Start “Wondering” on the Web Internet Public Library: Alameda County Subject Guides:  Research  Research/Subject Guides  Science  Science Google Advanced Search: Can limit by domain type! (just.gov,.edu, or.org)

Citing Websites in MLA format Williams, Nora. “Children Having Children.” Institute for Children and Poverty. Institute for Children and Poverty, 7 Aug Web. 16 Sept

How to find citation info on a website #3: Publisher #2: Site title #1: Page title

How to find citation info on a website cont. If no date published at the top, use last updated or copyright date at the bottom, even if they only give you a year:

Here’s the citation again. The last part is the medium (Web or Print) and the date you researched it. Williams, Nora. “Children Having Children.” Institute for Children and Poverty. Institute for Children and Poverty, 7 Aug Web. 7 Sept

The URL goes at the end, in angle brackets: Make sure it doesn’t turn into a blue, underlined hyperlink! If it does, hit Undo (Ctrl + Z) Williams, Nora. “Children Having Children.” Institute for Children and Poverty. Institute for Children and Poverty, 7 Aug Web. 16 Sept

More About Databases… Databases are organized collections of info online You don’t have to go to the library to get articles Easy to find scientific research

You Need a Library Card Sign up for an e-card  see the link at irvington.org/library

Under “Research,” click on A-Z Resources

Finding the right database… You can search by the name of the database, if you know it… Or by the subject, like “Science”

Each database is a collection of hundreds of articles about certain topics. Choose a database & log in using your library card number.

Search for articles. Click “limit to full text” before you search

Some databases that might help you, at Environmental Studies and Policy Collection:  Covers Environmental issues  What do I do if it sounds like it’s written by a MAD SCIENTIST??? 1.Look up words you don’t know 2. If there are too many words you don’t know, try another source 3. NEVER put anything in your paper you don’t understand!

GreenFILE  Current environmental issues.  Tip: On the left, you have options to “refine your search” (narrow it). Click “full text” and update.  Can narrow by year if you need really new articles.

Science in Context Linked to curriculum Divided by type of science

Grzimek’s Animal Life Based on the encyclopedia More than 4,000 animals Tip: Click on “Show All” next to “Resources,” to get their bibliography.

Citing Journal Articles Author. “Article Title.” Journal Title volume.issue (year): pages. Medium. Date. Dolby, Nadine. “New Research on Causes of Earthquake Activity in California.” American Journal of Seismology 6.2 (2008): Web. 20 May 2009.

Citation Help The Purdue OWL: Search for “Purdue OWL MLA”Purdue OWL Your planner