1. Researching with the BIG6 Prepared for the students of River Bend Middle School By Mrs. Bumgarner

2. So what is the BIG6 ? Research Strategy System for Solving an Information Problem Set of 6 Steps for Completing an Assigned Task

3. The Steps! #1Task Definition #2Information Seeking Strategies #3Location & Access #4Use of Information #5Synthesis #6Evaluation Dont worry! Its Easy!

4. Lets Break It Down… #1Task Definition Your Focus Whats the Problem/Assignment? Generate questions that need to be answered. Brainstorm!

5. #2Information Seeking Strategies How do I find out what I need to know? Plan your strategy. Select the best resources out of those available. Explore related materials.

6. Stop Here for Information Books(generally non-fiction) General Encyclopedias (World Book) Reference materials (atlases, dictionaries, topical encyclopedias, etc.) Internet Human Sources

7. #3Location & Access Implement your strategy. What have I got? Dig into your sources & start researching. Explore related keywords, topics, themes.

8. Web Site Evaluation Tips Be Careful! PurposeTo Inform, Explain or Persuade? AuthorityWho is the author? Look for credentials! (.org,.edu.,.gov) CurrencyHow old is the information? AudienceWho is the information for? Easy AccessWould it have been easier to find the information somewhere else? http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus.html

9. #4Use of Information What is important? Sift through the information gathered. Select the most important facts to include. Should answer questions you wrote in Step #1! Record facts on note cards. Keep track of what sources you used.

10. #5Synthesis How does it fit together? Put note cards in order. Make an outline or storyboard for paper or presentation. Bring all info. together in a presentable package. Refer back to the original assignment.

11. PowerPoint Pointers Use an introductory slide with topic & names of presenters Use main points only. Elaborate! Font size no smaller than 32 points. All elements should be very visible. Use correct grammar & check spelling! Include a Works Cited slide.

12. #6Evaluation Did I solve or answer my information problem? Neat & Complete! Teachers standards have been met. Mama would be proud! http://www.redlands.qld.edu.au/library/bribird.html

13. Works Cited http://www.infopeople.org/howto/bkmk/select.html. Evaluating Internet Resources: A Checklist. 14 January 2003. http://www.infopeople.org/howto/bkmk/select.html http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/big6/use.html. Nuts & Bolts of the Big6. 14 January 2003. http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/big6/use.html http://www.standrews.austin.tx.us/library/ Web%20evaluation.htm. Web Site Evaluation Guide. 14 January 2003. http://www.standrews.austin.tx.us/library/ Web%20evaluation.htm http://www.standrews.austin.tx.us/library/WorksCited. htm. Quick Guide: Preparing a Bibliography. 14 January 2003. http://www.standrews.austin.tx.us/library/WorksCited. htm