Lenape HS Media CenterLenape HS Media Center

Mastery ObjectivesMastery Objectives: : Students will be able to . . .Students will be able to . . .

1.Describe and locate various resources available in the 1.Describe and locate various resources available in the media center, including databases, e-books and other media center, including databases, e-books and other resources.resources.

2.Explain what plagiarism is and how to avoid plagiarism 2.Explain what plagiarism is and how to avoid plagiarism when writing a research paper.when writing a research paper.

3.Search databases and credible websites and apply the 3.Search databases and credible websites and apply the information to write their research paper.information to write their research paper.

Research Process

Research is a process

Research is more than using a search engine and taking the first few sites

Research Process Steps1. Think about your interests and select a topic of interest to you. 2. Start with a general reference book to gain familiarity3. Create a plan for research - Limit or broaden your topic, discuss

various options with your teacher and your librarians4. Begin research – look for print, electronic and online sources and

keep an accurate record of all sources reviewed 5. Develop a thesis/ your main argument 6. Outline (may be changed as more research is conducted)7. Read, research and take notes.

• May want to use notecards or keep track of notes in some other way • Keep accurate records• Evaluate websites (see media center e-board for website evaluation tips)

8. Modify outline and thesis/main argument based on research.9. Write a rough draft.10. Revise the rough draft. 11. Finalize paper.

What resources do we have for class research?

Print Collection• Books (nonfiction, fiction, reference, biography)

• Periodicals

Electronic Resources• Databases (online databases)

• Internet access

• Our media center website – http://www.lrhsd.org/lhsmedia

Ms. Fauver and Mr. Byrne – please come ask us for help!

Databases– various types of information – database that may be most

helpful may differ based on your specific research topic

Ask Ms. Fauver or Mr. Byrne about which database(s) may be

most useful to you.

Evaluate Websites Authority

• Is the author reliable and known?  • Is the author trustworthy and knowledgeable about the

subject? Accuracy

• Is the information reliable and does someone check it? Objectivity

• Does page try to sway opinion?  Is it free of bias? Currency

• When was page last updated?  Is it dated? Coverage

• Does it provide in-depth material?

Information Not all information is the same – some is

good, some is bad

Don’t waste your time on bad information

Search Tips

Try to search for subjects Try different variations and terms Try to be as specific as possible

• Searching for “American Dream” will not be helpful

• Search for racism, gender equality, poverty, etc. -- Specific terms

• USE OUR DATABASES – SIRS, Opposing Viewpoints

References/Citations

“properly cite resources” What does this mean? Why is it necessary to properly cite

references? When is it necessary to properly cite

references? How is this done?

Plagiarism

What is plagiarism? What counts as plagiarism?

• What if you don’t copy it word for word?

• What if you rewrite it completely and it does not even resemble the original passage?

• What if you simply glance at something and don’t think you will even use it?

How can you avoid plagiarism?

Citing references What should be cited? All ideas, opinions, statements, etc. that

are not your own and that are not part of the public domain

**when in doubt, always provide a citation**

Images, books, articles, websites, films, music, even a class textbook ----- in short, every format of information can and should be cited properly

Easy Bib

Tools you can use http://www.easybib.com

Explore! Search! Discover!

If you need help, please ask!!!!

SIRS Knowledge SourceOpposing Viewpoints