Student Research

Before winter break, my students began a huge research project. Each student was assigned a science topic and they were to provide me with 100 notecards of information. Although I considered my background with technology, I decided to complete this project the old fashion way. I know it is shocking, but there are some valuable lessons to be learned from creating notecards instead of just copying and pasting text.

So, after teaching copyright and plagiarism and evaluating website skills, my students were ready to complete their notecards. There is tons of information out on the web if you are planning to teach these skills with your students, but I used Oregon School Library for an overview of research skills, Cyberbee and my own knowledge for copyright, and Kathy Schrock's Guide for Educators for evaluating websites.

Now, I didn't just throw my students out onto the Internet and expect them to "google it." I gave students some direction and it started with our local library. Currently, my school does not have access to any online databases. And I know, my school is not the only one. So, I sent my kids to our local library site where, with a library card number, they had access to dozens of online databases including Facts on File and FirstSearch. Most students found articles, videos, and pictures related to their topic and were thrilled at how easy it was. I explained to my students that tax dollars and grant money pay for these resources and we should use them!

If students needed more information about their topic, I sent them to Kidspace at the Internet Public Library. Many of them found credible information on the site.

By putting an hour of work up front, I had bookmarked a dozen sites for my students to use to find information. It made the research process less stressful and safer for them. Sometimes, students had a hard time finding information, so if all else failed, I admit, we googled it, but we did it safely using a google safe search.

In the end, I think that many of my students will be returning to their local library website to locate information in the future. It is a great free resources that we need to be promoting in our classrooms!