1. I'm doing a Research Project!
Where in the world do I start?
A How-To Developed For Elementary Students
Created by: Tricia Milazzo (with help from the FL FINDS Model)

2. to find or locate my information?
Let’s start at the very beginning – a very good place to start.
-Julie Andrews
What is Information Literacy?
The American Library Association's (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy, Final Report states that, "To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information"
So How Can I begin
to find or locate my information?

3. We are going to use the FINDS model to guide us on our way.
1. Focus on the information needed.
2. Investigate resources to look for an answer.
3. Note and evaluate facts.
4. Develop information into knowledge for presentation.
5. Score presentation and search.

4. FOCUS
Let’s begin with focusing on your topic and what elements to do your research on…

5. Under step 1, Focus, there are various steps that you need to decide on with your teacher’s supervision. Here they are with some basic suggestions for using them effectively.
A. What is my assignment or the information problem to be solved?
You need to choose a topic based upon some item that is related to Florida. You may choose a person, an animal, a location, an event, a time frame or any other idea that is significant to Florida. Miss Milazzo will approve your topic and no one will have the same topic.
B. What are my questions and/ or thesis statement?
Once Miss Milazzo has approved your topic, you will need to come up with 3 questions that you would like to find answers to that are related to your topic. Those 3 questions are to be put onto your question sheet and turned in for approval.

6. C. What types of information will be needed?
Once your 3 questions are approved you will then be allowed to begin your research. You will need to have at least 3 research sources with one being an Internet site and another a book. You may have as many sources as you need in order to fully answer your questions.
D. How will I organize my search plan?
Once you have found a good source that begins to answer your questions, you are to fill out your grid with the data. Make sure to write down your source at the top and to place the data in the appropriate row for that question. You may have some blank boxes on your grid as for your source may not be able to answer all 3 of your questions.

7. E. What keywords and alternate search terms would be best for my topic?
Begin to search on the given websites by using your topic. Other search terms can be Florida or general items such as animals, famous people, events, etc depending on your topic. See Miss Milazzo for other ideas.
F. What search terminology and techniques should I use?
Remember to use the skills that were practiced during the on-line introduction class. If you are having trouble remembering – see Miss Milazzo – IMMEDIATELY!
Make sure that you are using appropriate websites to do your searches on. If you feel that you are not finding the answers to your questions by your searches, see Miss Milazzo as for you may have to adjust your questions in order to find answers.

8. Question Time
Please don’t be afraid to ask questions as for your research will take time in order to be fully complete.
For further information on the FINDS model: