Before beginning your research, take a few minutes to jot down all of the key words that you can think of that might be associated with your topic. These might be synonyms, related concepts, government or non-profit groups that tie-in, maybe even laws, treaties, or acts that have been passed that relate to your topic.
We love the Internet! However...
1. Remember that scholarly articles are required in college. Databases let you limit your search to scholarly articles. 2. Always be a discerning web user. Remember that .gov and .edu sites are generally going to be legit. The .com and .net sites are oftentimes selling something. Government sites that relate to your topic like the World Health Organization, Red Cross, EPA, or UN could be really good sites for this project. Look at the "about us" for bias and look for the date the site was updated. Is it timely information? 3. Primary sources are great for this paper. Many databases let you limit your results to primary sources. Check that option out. 4. Tip: look for links in bibliographies to other relevant articles. As of yet, we can't be assured that every author on Wikipedia actually knows what he/she is writing about. Until a teacher instructs you to, don't use wikipedia articles, but go and see what articles THEY cite. This can be a research goldmine!
DATABASES:
For exploring topics:
*Global Issues in Context (we are trying this one out--let us know if you like it!) *Ebsco's Points of View *Student Resources in Context (look at the "topics" tab)
Once you have chosen your topic try these:
I. Points of View
-List organized by category OR you can browse the entire list of topics OR you can search. -This one is unique because they hire subject experts to write these articles! -Note tabs across top Select a point & scroll down to see all the tools. Keywords can be added to that good old list you started in the beginning. Look at credentials of co-author given at bottom of article (fact checker). -Note all of your search options! You can: set a search alert (RSS feed, email, etc.), save (folder in upper right corner), email, etc.
II. Global Issues in Context
-Browse issues or do a search.
-Provides images/videos, background information, statistics and more.
III. JSTOR
-Use this for a historical perspective. Most articles are 3+ years old but it's an AWESOME resource you will most likely use in college so try it out now!
IV. Student Resources in Context
-Search it OR select "Social Issues-View All"
Other Resources to Consider:
EBooks (“History Behind the Headlines”)--Search Athena for this.
Infotrac or Encyclopedias (Grolier or World Book~provided in TEL database) if need more background information on issue.
Google Alerts (www.google.com/alerts) VERY EASY TO USE! Can set search for specific things like news, videos, blogs, or everything.
We love the Internet! However...
1. Remember that scholarly articles are required in college. Databases let you limit your search to scholarly articles.
2. Always be a discerning web user. Remember that .gov and .edu sites are generally going to be legit. The .com and .net sites are oftentimes selling something. Government sites that relate to your topic like the World Health Organization, Red Cross, EPA, or UN could be really good sites for this project. Look at the "about us" for bias and look for the date the site was updated. Is it timely information?
3. Primary sources are great for this paper. Many databases let you limit your results to primary sources. Check that option out.
4. Tip: look for links in bibliographies to other relevant articles. As of yet, we can't be assured that every author on Wikipedia actually knows what he/she is writing about. Until a teacher instructs you to, don't use wikipedia articles, but go and see what articles THEY cite. This can be a research goldmine!
DATABASES:
For exploring topics:
*Global Issues in Context (we are trying this one out--let us know if you like it!)*Ebsco's Points of View
*Student Resources in Context (look at the "topics" tab)
Once you have chosen your topic try these:
I. Points of View
-List organized by category OR you can browse the entire list of topics OR you can search.-This one is unique because they hire subject experts to write these articles!
-Note tabs across top
Select a point & scroll down to see all the tools. Keywords can be added to that good old list you started in the beginning. Look at credentials of co-author given at bottom of article (fact checker).
-Note all of your search options! You can: set a search alert (RSS feed, email, etc.), save (folder in upper right corner), email, etc.
II. Global Issues in Context
-Browse issues or do a search.-Provides images/videos, background information, statistics and more.
III. JSTOR
-Use this for a historical perspective. Most articles are 3+ years old but it's an AWESOME resource you will most likely use in college so try it out now!IV. Student Resources in Context
-Search it OR select "Social Issues-View All"Other Resources to Consider:
EBooks (“History Behind the Headlines”)--Search Athena for this.
Infotrac or Encyclopedias (Grolier or World Book~provided in TEL database) if need more background information on issue.
Google Alerts (www.google.com/alerts) VERY EASY TO USE! Can set search for specific things like news, videos, blogs, or everything.
Here's a cool web site Mrs. Vaughn found: http://www.procon.org/
Many of these issues are presented in both a US/Global context. Check it out to see if it might be a good source for you!