Research Model

First click on each of these links

Go to file and print

Then read the steps and use the worksheets to complete your research

Data Chart

Notes

Works cited

Rubric

Step 1.

Big6 #1: Task Definition: What do I need to do?

1.1 Define the information problem

- What does your teacher want you to do? Make sure you understand the requirements of the assignment.

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1.2 Identify the information you need in order to complete the task (to solve the information problem)

- What information do you need in order to do the assignment? __________________________________________________________________

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Step 2.

Big6 #2: Information Seeking Strategies: What can I use to find what I need?

2.1 Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)

- Make a list of all the possible sources of information that will help you answer the questions

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- Consider library books, encyclopedias, and web sites to which your library subscribes (ask your librarian!), people who are experts in your subject, observation of your subject, free web sites and surveys.

2.2 Evaluate the possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)

Circle the sources that are available to you and easy for you to use.

Big6 #3: Location & Access: Where can I find what I need?

3.1 Locate sources

Figure out where you will get these sources.

Now, you will actually get the sources.
You may have to get and use each source one at a time.

3.2 Find information within sources

Now that you have the source in hand, how will you get to the information that you need to answer your questions? (Remember the questions you wrote in Task Definition?) This all depends on the source.

- First, make a list of words that will help you find information in all of your sources. These are called keywords. They are like synonyms and related words to your topic. . Try to locate keywords.

	Books: Look at the index (back of the book) or table of contents (front of the book) for your topic and keywords
	Encyclopedias: Use the index volume (usually the last volume in the set) for the topic and keywords.
	Reference Web sites that are subscribed to by your library (such as Gale, Worldbook Online, etc.): type either your topic or keywords in the search box. Try keywords separately and some together. Ask your librarian for help if needed.
	Free web sites: use topic or keywords in subject directories such as http://www.yahooligans.com Try keywords separately and some together. Ask your librarian for help if needed.

Big6 #4: Use of Information: What information can I use?

4.1 Engage the source (read, listen, view, touch)

- You will need to read, listen or view your source.
If you can't understand any of your sources, ask an adult to help you. It's OK not to understand something, but it's not OK to avoid asking for help.
- You may not need to read, listen to, or view all material in each book, article, or website. You are looking for the specific information you need. Read the first sentence in each paragraph to decide if that paragraph has answers to your questions.

4.2 Take out the relevant information from a source

It's time to take some notes!
Click here for help on note taking and citing your sources.
Remember if you discover more questions while you are taking notes, it is OK to add them to your list.

Big6 #5: Synthesis: What can I make to finish the job?

5.1 Organize information from multiple sources

Decide how you will put together your notes and add your ideas and insights.

You may:

	Write a rough draft
	Build an outline
	Create a storyboard
	Draw a sketch (Sometimes it is easier to put the notes together in a form that resembles the final project.)

5.2 Present the information

If your teacher assigns the product:

	Remember to follow the guidelines he or she gives.
	Include your ideas along with the information you found in books, web sites, and other sources.

If you get to choose your final product:

Make sure you follow your teacher's guidelines.

Decide which product wil best suit your subject.

Think about these options:

	an oral presentation using PowerPoint
	writing a paper
	creating a video or audio tape
	using technology if it is the best way to show the results of your information-finding

In any final presentation, make sure you:

	Include your ideas along with the information you found in books, websites, and other sources.
	Make sure that your final product or paper is more than just a summary of what you found in the other sources.
	Create a product or write a paper that you would be proud for anyone to read or see.
	Include a bibliography.

Big6 #6: Evaluation: How will I know if I did my job well?

6.1 Judge your product

Before turning in your assignment, compare it to your teacher's requirements.

	Did you do and include everything that was required?
	Did you give credit to all of your sources, and did you write it the way your teacher requested?
	Is your work neat?
	Is your work complete and does it include heading information (name, date, etc.)
	Would you be proud for anyone to view this work?

6.2 Judge your information problem-solving process

Think about what you did to finish this assignment. You may have learned some skills to use anytime you need information to answer questions!

	What skill(s) did you learn that you can use again?
	How will you be able to use the skill(s) again?
	What did you do well this time?
	What would you do differently next time?
	Which information sources were most useful? You may be able to use them again when you need information.
	What information sources did you need but the library did not have? Talk to your librarian about the possibility of getting them.