INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH

Expository writing analyzes and explains information to inform or educate your reader.

It requires:•Description•Narration•Emphasis on logic and organization

It is the type of writing you will be doing in college and most likely throughout your career.

Expository Writing

When you enter the workforce, you will find that expository writing is necessary in almost any profession.

Your ability to write exposition requires the same skills necessary to succeed in many careers such as:

• thinking critically •analyzing complex situations•presenting information clearly to coworkers•ability to do good research

An exposition involves good research.

Good research involves using good resources. Good research involves using more than one resource.

RESEARCH

In research, a resource is any reference document, material, person or source you used to acquire information.

What are Resources?

There are 2 types of sources:

1.Primary sources

2. Secondary sources

• Print reference• Electronic reference

•Print references are encyclopedias, almanacs, dictionaries, atlases, reader’s guides, subject specific books and other special books.

Kinds of EncyclopediasThere are three kinds of encyclopedias.

General Reference• Information on various

subjects arranged in alphabetical order

Specific Reference• Volumes dedicated to a

specific subject.

Special Reference• Like a general

encyclopedia with information, but the subjects may not be arranged in alphabetical order.

• You must use the index volume to locate information on a specific topic.

General Reference Encyclopedias in Byrd Middle School’s Library

World Book Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia Americana

The Student Discovery Encyclopedia

Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos

Gran Enciclopedia Hispanica

Compton’s Encyclopedia

Special Reference Encyclopedias in the

Byrd Library Collection

The New Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia

Index re

fere

nce

Specific Reference Encyclopedias

in the Byrd Library Reference Collection • Student Discovery Science Encyclopedia• Encyclopedia of People & Places• Encyclopedia of the Human Body• Encyclopedia of Science and Nature• The Solar System & Space Exploration Library• Biographical Encyclopedia of Scientists• Biographical Connections• America’s Multicultural Heritage• Encyclopedia of America’s Presidents• Encyclopedia of Celebrations and Rituals• Encyclopedia of Myths and Legends• Encyclopedia of Animals of the World• Encyclopedia of Ecology (Make it Work!)• Encyclopedia of Geography (Make it Work!)

And there are lots more, just come into the library and browse the reference section.

NON FICTION BOOKS

These are informational books. They present factual information on specific subjects.

Non fiction books are the best most detailed source of factual information on a given topic.

These books are located in the library according to it’s Dewey Classification.

The AlmanacAn almanac is a handy, desk-size volume packed full of brief facts, statistics, and miscellaneous information on many subjects of the past and present.

The almanac tells about countries, states, governments, population, sports records and champions, academy Award winners, and many, many other bits and pieces of information known as trivia.

YEARBOOKS

A yearbook is similar to an almanac, but it is more likely to be limited to one subject, such as government, or to a definite period of time, such as a single year (such as World Book’s Year in Review or Science Year).

Many encyclopedias are kept up to date with these annual yearbooks which record information about outstanding personalities, developments, and events of the previous year.

THE DICTIONARYA ready reference source that provides information not just on word meaning, but, •pronunciation,•spelling, •parts of speech, •plurals, •synonyms, •antonyms. •It also has illustrations, charts, graphs, tables and lists.

There are many levels and kinds of dictionaries forgeneral use.

There are generally two types of dictionaries available at the library.

1. unabridged- a dictionary that lists nearly all of the words in the English language.

2. abridged- a smaller dictionary that contains only

commonly used words.

AAAN

AND

There are many different kinds of dictionaries:

•Biographical

•Geographical (called a Gazetteer)

•Subject –Related

•Foreign language

Try MeWe are here! We are here! Right on the reference shelf in this library! Come and use me.

Merriam Webster DictionaryWorld Book DictionaryNew Explorer DictionaryThorndike Barnhart Dictionary

Psst, come on over to the computer and try us:

Dictionary.com at http://dictionary.reference.comCambridge dictionary Online at http://dictionary.cambridge.orgOne Look at http://www.onelook.comWord Central. at http://wordcentral.comWriteExpress at http://www.rhymer.com

The Thesaurus

A thesaurus is a special kind of dictionary which lists synonyms and related words. It is especially useful when you are preparing a report or doing creative writing, because it helps you find just the right word.

LOOKING FOR

GEOGRAPHICAL

AND OR

TOPOGRAPHICAL

INFORMATION

TRY

THE ATLAS

•An atlas is a book of maps.

An atlas will answer your questions about:

•Location: places in the news, rivers, mountains, continents, hemispheres, etc.

•Physical characteristics of the earth: altitude, vegetation, soil, minerals, forests, climate, etc.

•Man-made characteristics: cities and their population, national boundaries, capitals, roads and railroads, mines, crops

•Historical facts: locations of battles and campaigns, growth and expansion of countries and states, changing boundaries, for what the world looked like in the past for example: during the Roman Empire.

Political, physical, subject related, and historical maps for example

this world map during the Renaissance. c.1350-1450

Don’t forget

magazines and

newspapers are

also great print reference sources and will have more up to date

information.

and finally

ELECTRONIC REFERENCE SOURCES

The Internet

• This is the

easiest,• most popular, • most current,• most misused and

abused,• most plagiarized

of all reference sources

To effectively use the internet for retrieving information you should be skilled in:

•Keyword searching (using the right words to find what you need)

Web site evaluation (accurate and updated information)

Search Engines (what’s right for you, your reading level, your grade level)

Wikipedia is a multi-lingual based, free content encyclopedia project.

Wikipedia is written collaboratively by volunteers.

Its articles can be edited by those with knowledge on the subject and is kept current daily.

For example:

•About.com•Aesop.com•All4one•All the Web, all the time•Alta Vista•ASK•Ask for kids•Directhit.com•Dogpile•EducationPlant•EduHound•Excite Netsearch•eZ Find•Find-it!•GoTo.com•Google•Grokker

• Grokker• Hotbot• Ivy• Kids’ Almanac• Kidsites• Lycos• Mamma.com• Metacrawler• MultiCrawl• Northern Light• OneKey• Open directory Project• W3• Webcrawler• Yahoo• Yahooligans

Some common search engines are:

One of the best places to do your internet searches

is through the Los Angeles Unified School District’s

Digital Library

What is the Digital Library?

The LAUSD Digital Library is the second largest school electronic library in the United States.

The Digital Library is a web based library that provides the same information that one can find in a real library, except much more.

The Digital Library gives students, teachers, and administrators access to hundreds of primary print, audio, and video resources that can be used for research projects reports, presentations and assemblies.

A good research paper involves good research.

Good research involves good research skills. There are 6 basic steps in research skills.

These steps are called the “Big 6”.

RESEARCH

What are the Big 6 Research Skills?

•Big 6 Step#1 Task Definition

•Big 6 Step#2 Information Seeking Strategies

•Big 6 Step#3 Location and Access

•Big 6 Step#4 Use of Information

•Big 6 Step#5 Synthesis

•Big 6 Step#6 Evaluation

Fill out Big6 # 1-5 before you begin to work on your assignment.Fill out Big6 #6 before you turn in your assignment. Project Due _______________

Name:__________________________ Teacher: ____________________ Date:_____________

Big6 #1 Task Definition What am I supposed to do? Where do I begin?

What information do I need in order to do this? (Consider listing in question form.)List below information that you feel you need to know at this time. (Attach another sheet of

paper if you need more space.)1. ___________________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________________

4. ___________________________________________________________________________

5. ___________________________________________________________________________

6. ____________________________________________________________________________

Research Assignment Organizer for Byrd Middle School

by Ms. C.M. Williams, Teacher Librarian

What am I suppose to do? Read and re-read the question or prompt to make sure you understand.

What information do I need in order to do this?

Big 6 Step#1 Task Definition

Who?

What?

When?

Where?

How?

Why?

Magazine(print)____________________

Magazine(electronic)_________________

Video ___________________________

Audiotape_______________________ DVD __________________________ Internet(search engine)_______________IP address_______________________

IP address _______________________

IP address_______________________

Big6 #2: Information Seeking Strategies Where do I begin looking for information? Don’t forget traditional print and human sources as well.Primary sourcesEyewitness _____________________ Historic Document _______________________

Experiment ____________________ Byrd Library ___________________________ Observation ______________________ Other ________________________________

Secondary sources

Book (Nonfiction) _____________________

Book (Fiction)________________________

Dictionary __________________________

Encyclopedia ________________________

Atlas ______________________________

Almanac ______________________________

Newspaper____________________________

If using web sites, how will I know they are good enough for my project?____I will use only those sites evaluated and provided by my teacher or librarian.____I will ask my teacher or librarian for assistance if needed.____I will find my own web sites.

What are the best sources I can use to find the information I am

looking for?

•Reference Books•Subject Specific Books•Electronic Sources•Human Sources

Big 6 Step#2 INFORMATION

SEEKING STRATEGIES

__Other__I can find the sources myself__My teacher__My library teacher__My parents

Big6 #3: Location and Access Where will I find information for my topic?

__Byrd Library __Public Library __Personal Library __Classroom Library __Internet

What are some keywords that I will use in my search for information?

1. ___________________ 2. ____________________ 3. ____________________

4. ___________________ 5. ____________________ 6. _____________________

• Where in the library can I find information about my topic?• Write the Call Numbers, titles, page numbers so I won’t forget them. • Write down web site addresses. • Don’t forget to search Indexes and Tables of Content. (You can do this below or on

separate paper & attach.)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Where will I find these sources?•School library•Public library•Internet•Teachers•Other

If using the Internet, list likely key words. See your prompt in Step 1 task definition.

What are some search engines I can use other than Google?

Big 6 Step#3Location and Access

Big6 #4: Use of Information How will I gather and record the information that I find?

__Take notes using note cards

__Take notes on notebook paper

__Take notes using a word processor/computer

__Take notes on a thinking map

__Illustrate concepts

__Use a tape recorder, video camera, or digital camera

__Other: _______________________

__ I will remember to cite my sources using the guide given to me by my

teacher. (You may use Knightcite Citation Service or CiteFast.com)

Big 6 Step#4 Use of Information

How will I record the information I find?

Note cards, notebook paper, graphic organizer, thinking map, illustrations, record.

How will I avoid plagiarism?

Give credit to my sources; paraphrase; write in my own words.

Big6 #5: Synthesis How will I show the results of my research?

__Written paper __Oral presentation

__Multimedia presentation __Other ____________________

How will I give credit to my sources in my final project?Include a written bibliography (“Works Cited” page in MLA format)

After the presentation, announce which sources I used

Other: ____________________________________

What materials or equipment will I need for my presentation?

How much time do I estimate it will take to find the information and complete the project? ___________________________________________________________Timeline for assignment:Ideas for project due by: ________

Information searching and note taking due by: _________

First draft due: _________

Completed project due by: __________

Include here any additional information needed to successfully complete the assignment:

Big 6 Step #5 Synthesis

How will I show my results?

Written paper, oral presentation, performance, multimedia presentation

How will I give credit to my sources?

Works cited page, clusters/chunks, orally if performance.

What materials will I need for my presentation?

Big6 #6: Evaluation How will I know if I’ve done my best?

Before turning in my project, I need to check off all of these items:__What I created to finish the project is appropriate for what I was supposed to do in Big6 #1.

__The information I found in Big6 #4 matches the information I needed in Big6 # 1.

__Credit is given to all my sources in the bibliography MLA format given to me by my teacher.

__My work is neat.

__My work is complete and includes all required heading and other components (name, date, title, margin, spacing, etc.)

__I would be proud to put my name on this work and for anyone to view this work because I know it represents me.

Ancillary notes__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Big 6 #6 Evaluation

How will I know if I have done my best work?

Before submitting assignment, review and:

Create a checklist:•Did I answer the question or complete the task?•Did I give credit to my sources•Is my work neat?•Does my work complete and meet all the requirements of the assignment?•Would I be proud to show this off and put my name on it?

Now back to

Step 5

Synthesis

Introductioninventor

Thomas Alva Edison

leader inventions

businessman

contributions&

achievements

family man

Thomas Alva Edison was one of the greatest inventors and industrial leaders in our history.

His most famous and important contributions to the world were his many inventions, such as the telegraph, telephone, electric lighting, and motion pictures.

Not only was he a great inventor, he was also a great business man and leader and had many achievements.

He established many companies still in business today.

Who

BornCity/date

family lifeChild / adult

education jobs

adventures

hobbies

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 in Milan, Ohio. He was the youngest child. He had 6 brothers and sisters. His mother was a school teacher. His father was a shingle maker and land investor. He had a limited formal education, but because his mom was a teacher, he was taught at home.

Thomas Alva Edison

What

Inventor Inventor

Businessman Businessman

Light bulb phonograph kinetoscope ediphone

General Electric Co. Western Union Motion Picture Patent Co. Manufacturing

Co

When

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

Boyhood 2-11-1847 to 1863

Teen years1863 first invention1868 Boston

Invention years1876- 1915

World War I era – 1920Experimentedbusinesses

Final yearsOct. 1931death

Where

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

born / grew up

JobsPort Huron / Detroit

BusinessmanNew York City

BostonInvention years

Menlo Park1st lab

Final yearshome / deathFort Myers, Florida

How

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

Sold newspapers to earn money for equipment

Read a lot almost everything he could find

Stayed up on currentevents

Interacted with lots of people

Invested in himself

Intellect, ambition,dedication impressed other to invest in him and his ideas

Why

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

Encouraged and supported by family

Wanted to improve quality of life

Wanted to improve on what others had done

Great faith in progress and industry

Valued long and hard work

Quote“Genius is 1 percent inspiration & 99 percent perspiration”

Summary

Thomas Alva Edison____________________

who

what

when

where

why

how

Library Media Teacher

For further information about the use of these fantastic resources see your

Ms. C. Williams