© boardworks ltd 2003 1 of 18 independent research for more detailed instructions, see the getting...

© Boardworks Ltd 20031 of 18

Independent Research

For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation.

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Independent research

Have you ever been asked to complete a project, or answer a question which you didn’t know very much about?

Can you think of any topics you’ve researched?

What school subjects might propose the following projects?

Fashion of the 1920s __________________ How to make chocolate __________________ Volcanoes __________________ Conditions on Mars __________________ Shakespeare __________________ Buddhism __________________


It doesn’t matter what subject your are researching, there are some simple ways of finding exactly what you need every time.

Where could you go to find information on Volcanoes and how they work?

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Finding information


Contents


Often you are not just asked to write about a topic but to find specific information on a topic. This is where an index page can come in handy.

Do you know where writers normally locate their index pages?

Indexes

You would probably look under ‘p’ as Pompeii is the specific keyword you are looking for.

If you found no information under ‘p’ you might then resort to looking under ‘v’ for volcano.

If you were asked to find specific information on the Volcano of Pompeii, which letter would you look under?


Photography 176

Political Strategies 44

Pollution 79

Pompeii 20

Population increase 110

Pressure 39

Preventative measures 60

Protection from

earthquakes 12

Flooding 198

Recovery Operations 135

Once you have decided which letter to look under, you just need to find the relevant page number. To find information on the volcano of Pompeii you would go to page:


Encyclopedias

Encyclopedias are a useful resource because they provide information on a wide variety of topics, from archery to zoology. Often encyclopedias include pictures to help readers visualize the information they are trying to learn and digest.

What are some of the potential problems with relying on encyclopedias for information and research?


Encyclopedias


Newspapers and magazines

Newspapers and magazines are a great source of up-to-date information. You can get hold of them at libraries or from newsagents.

A tabloid newspaper specializes in popular news and gossip.

A broadsheet newspaper is generally more serious and will focus more on politics and current affairs.

Magazines are very varied in their level of seriousness and usually target a particular group of people with particular interests.

What magazines do you read? What sort of people do you think they are targeted at?


Newspapers


Your turn!

Imagine you are completing a project on vegetarian food.

Which magazines would help you to find out more information on this topic?

You do not need to find out any information about vegetarian food – your only task is to find out which magazines would help you to research the topic if you were asked to complete a project with this title.

Where would you go to do this research?


teachersgrandparentsolder and younger friendsparents or guardians librarians tourist information guides.

Other people

Can you think of any more people who could help you with research?

Other people can often be a personal and colourful source of information. Different people know different things and often just asking friends and family for ideas can be a great help.

Here are some people who may be able to help you with your research:


As a class, what do you know about Shakespeare? Write down everything you can think of.

Brainstorm


Can you think of anyone you know who might be able to help you with any of the questions below?

1. How many states are there in America?

2. What was life like before television?

3. What is the French word for milk?

4. How is glass made?

Other people


Internet

The Internet is a convenient and relatively simple tool for research. Almost anything you want to find out can be found somewhere on the world wide web.

To research a topic, all you need to do is choose your search engine and start searching.

Do you know the URL’s of any useful search engines?

Once you have pressed search, a page will display possible sites which may be of interest to you. It is then up to you to pick the site which you think will be most relevant to your research.


Learn French on Line – the only free line service with real tutors. Learn how to ask for coffee with milk…www.learn…

Buy French dairy products today direct from your Internet…www.dairyf…

Milk – a healthy source of calcium. French mothers recommend it…www.milkyc…

French, milk

Which site do you think will tell you the French word for milk?

Internet

Search


What are the drawbacks of Internet searching?

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Although the Internet is quick and convenient, there are lots of reasons why we should not over-rely on it.

Have you ever found yourself searching on the Internet for something and becoming frustrated by your search? Why was this?

Internet


Conclusion

The best way to do research is to use a variety of searching tools. You can then be sure you are getting a varied interpretation of the topic. It will also help you to form your own opinions and ideas on the topic so that you can present the information in your own words.

Imagine you have been asked to complete a project on Charles Dickens.

Where would you do your research and what would you use?

Complete some research on this topic.

© boardworks ltd 2003 1 of 18 independent research for more detailed instructions, see the getting...

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