For computer class

1. Smart Research Strategies
By Kristine Carlson Asselin
Published By Capstone Press
Copyright 2013

2. Where To Start?
You have a research project due in three weeks.
It might be a paper about the life of Abraham
Lincoln. Maybe it’s a diorama of the Grand
Canyon or a timeline of the Civil War. Whatever
the topic or format, you’re going to be elbow
deep in in research. But where do you start?
There are tons of sources out there for you to
use. You just need to know where to look!

3. Research is fun if you know the basics. It’s like
being a detective in your own mystery. Putting
the clues together to create a finished product
feels great! But before you dive into solving the
mystery and finding your sources, you need
some answers.

4. Step 1
You know what the teacher wants. Before you begin
you need to understand instructions. Does the
teacher have rules on the types of sources you use?
Step 2
Pick your topic. Your teacher might assign a specific
topic. If not, you can do some researching to choose
your own subject. Whatever the topic, focus on a
specific part that interests you.
Step 3
Make a list. Before you start looking for sources, make
a list of questions you need for your research.

5. Outlines
An outline is a small summary of what you plan
on writing. Some outlines include the major
points of your project. Other outlines are more
detailed. As you do your research, you can add
more information to your outline.

6. Where’s the Info?
Now that you’re clear on instructions and you’ve
got your outline it’s time to build your
bibliography. Make a list of possible sources
from your research. Be sure to include
books, websites, magazine articles, and anything
else that might apply to your topic.

7. Step 1
Look back at the list of your research questions.
You’ll focus your research on finding the answers.
Step 2
Call in backup. Ask a librarian or a parent tp point
out good library sources.
Step 3
Consult other books or sources. Most nonfiction
books have a bibliography in the back. List the sites
an sources an author used in his or her research.
You might want to use them in your research too!

10. Created