1. What Information Do I Need?

Animation of person getting an idea after being hit with apple on head
  1. What is my assignment?
  2. Brainstorm with a KWL chart:
    • What do I already know?
    • What do I want to know?
  3. What questions will I need to answer to complete the assignment?
  4. What will my assignment look like when it is done?

2. Where Can I Find Information?

Animation of person with magnifying glass following footsteps

Places to Go

  1. School library
  2. Local public library
  3. Teacher
  4. Web
Animation of person getting book from a shelf

Sources to Use

  1. Encyclopedias
  2. Almanacs
  3. Nonfiction books
  4. Web sites
  5. Magazines
  6. Newspapers
  7. Experts (people who know about the topic)
  8. Nonfiction videos
If using Web sites, who will evaluate them to make sure the information is correct?

3. How Will I Gather Information?

Animation of person with magnifying glass looking through book

Scan the Resource

  1. Table of contents
  2. Index
  3. Menu
  4. Headers
  5. Pictures
Animation of person with reading and circling important information

Read and Highlight Important Ideas

  1. Did I understand what I read?
  2. Does this information answer one of my questions?
Animation of person writing

Take Notes

  1. How will I write down my notes?
  2. Did I use my own words?
  3. Can I point to the place where I found the information?
Animation of person checking items off on clipboard

Cite Your Sources

  1. Did I write down what I need to show where I got my information?
  2. Do I have two sources for each fact?

4. How Will I Use My Information?

Animation of person presenting results
  1. Did I put all my information together in the way my teacher asked?
  2. Did I list where I got my information?
  3. Is my work neat and complete?
  4. Did I put my name on my work?
  5. Have I done my best work?

About this Page

This list of questions and handouts will guide you through the research process. Remember, your goal is to find the very best information for the specific project assigned by your teacher. "Best" means information that is correct and that you can understand.

Library Information

Research Help