Lenape HS Media Center Mastery Objectives : Students will be able to... 1.Describe and locate various resources available in the media center, including databases, e-books and other resources. 2.Explain what plagiarism is and how to avoid plagiarism when writing a research paper. 3.Search databases and credible websites and apply the information to write their research paper.

Research Process Research is a process Research is more than using a search engine and taking the first few sites

Research Process Steps 1.Think about your interests and select a topic of interest to you. 2.Start with a general reference book to gain familiarity 3. Create a plan for research - Limit or broaden your topic, discuss various options with your teacher and your librarians 4. Begin research – look for print, electronic and online sources and keep an accurate record of all sources reviewed 5.Develop a thesis/ your main argument 6.Outline (may be changed as more research is conducted) 7.Read, research and take notes. May want to use notecards or keep track of notes in some other way Keep accurate records Evaluate websites (see media center e-board for website evaluation tips) 8.Modify outline and thesis/main argument based on research. 9.Write a rough draft. 10.Revise the rough draft. 11.Finalize paper.

What resources do we have for class research? Print Collection Books (nonfiction, fiction, reference, biography) Periodicals Electronic Resources Databases (online databases) Internet access Our media center website – Ms. Fauver and Mr. Byrne – please come ask us for help!

Databases– various types of information – database that may be most helpful may differ based on your specific research topic Ask Ms. Fauver or Mr. Byrne about which database(s) may be most useful to you.

Evaluate Websites Authority Is the author reliable and known? Is the author trustworthy and knowledgeable about the subject? Accuracy Is the information reliable and does someone check it? Objectivity Does page try to sway opinion? Is it free of bias? Currency When was page last updated? Is it dated? Coverage Does it provide in-depth material?

Information Not all information is the same – some is good, some is bad Don’t waste your time on bad information

Search Tips Try to search for subjects Try different variations and terms Try to be as specific as possible Searching for “American Dream” will not be helpful Search for racism, gender equality, poverty, etc. -- Specific terms USE OUR DATABASES – SIRS, Opposing Viewpoints

References/Citations “properly cite resources” What does this mean? Why is it necessary to properly cite references? When is it necessary to properly cite references? How is this done?

Plagiarism What is plagiarism? What counts as plagiarism? What if you don’t copy it word for word? What if you rewrite it completely and it does not even resemble the original passage? What if you simply glance at something and don’t think you will even use it? How can you avoid plagiarism?

Citing references What should be cited? All ideas, opinions, statements, etc. that are not your own and that are not part of the public domain **when in doubt, always provide a citation** Images, books, articles, websites, films, music, even a class textbook in short, every format of information can and should be cited properly

Easy Bib Tools you can use

Explore! Search! Discover! If you need help, please ask!!!! SIRS Knowledge Source Opposing Viewpoints