RESEARCH SKILLS UNIT: Table of Contents

Some background information and references are included in binder

pocket for optional use.
Pre-Activity:
In a group with one device and no phones, students must use the websites
listed to find the answers to the following questions. (No Google, Bing,
etc.) First group finished wins some sort of prize. Discuss the various
information that can be found online.

1. Library and Research Vocabulary

Vocabulary Terms List to complete
All As on current classes Acronym (Vocabulary terms) sheet
Interactive Games and Activities-Vocabulary practice (individual)-see
highlighted activities on sheet (library.stjosephsea.org)
Domain name vs. Website PowerPoint
Vocabulary Quiz
2. Developing a Topic
Recognize need for information to address assignment. Develop questions
to clarify and focus topic. Identify individuals and resources to help develop
manageable topic based on the parameters of an assignment. Recognize
the hierarchical relationships of broader and narrower topics to aid in
revising the topic.
Youtube video
URL worksheet
Narrowing a topic organizer
3. Identifying Potential Sources
Understand information comes in various forms: textual, visual, audio, or data.
Appreciate that each form offers differing types of information sources produced in
a variety of formats (e.g., print or electronic books, film or streaming video).

Understand the roles and limitations of differing types of information sources and
the finding tools needed to access them (e.g., libraries, search engines, online
catalogs). Select the most appropriate information sources and finding tools to
address a given information need.

Slideshare Information
Bias Cartoon Activity
Quiz
4. Developing, Using and Revising Search Strategies
Create and revise search strategies. Understand how to use the features of
an information source in order to retrieve the information needed (e.g.,
index and table of contents in a book, database filters). Develop a search
strategy fitting for the given finding tool. Choose appropriate terms and
keywords for searching a topic. Understand how to use search expanders
and search limiters (e.g., logical operators) when too few, too many, or
irrelevant results are returned.
Boolean Logic Video
Boolean Logic Reference Sheet
Boolean Search Activity
Quiz
5. Evaluating Sources and information
Be able to determine the currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose of
information or information sources. Recognize divergent perspectives. Recognize
bias. Differentiate between fact and opinion.

Preactivity: Critical Evaluation of a Webpage graphic organizer

Youtube video
Reference Sheet
Partner Evaluation worksheet
Bogus Sites List

Acronym sheet-refresher
The 5 Ws of website evaluation
Ban Dihydrogen Monoxide discussion
6. Using Information Responsibly
Understand the concepts of intellectual property (especially copyright, fair
use, and plagiarism) and of intellectual freedom. Understand how to cite
and list sources using an appropriate style manual. Recognize how to take
notes and paraphrase correctly.
Online Tools Slideshare
Online Tools Poster
7. Works Cited and In-text Citation
Citation info-reads and ask questions aloud for points, prizes, candy
Groups of four cite sources
Multiple Choice Activities
Annotate a sample Works Cited page
Info for packet work
Individual Packet work
Bibliography Highlighting Activity
Sentence Stripping Activity
8. Plagiarism
Read article, annotate, and discuss afterwards
Annotation symbols sheet

9. In-class individual article work

The 6 Online Research Skills Your students Will Need article and assignment
(Instruction sheet and the Important Book Summarizing Worksheet

10. General Assessments (TRAILS)