PYP Research Skills

I Wonder...

All research begins with a question. It is important to spend some time thinking about your question. Try to get general information about your topic to help you.

Ideas to keep in mind:

• What do I want to find out?
• What do I already know?
• Has someone else researched this topic already?
• Am I asking a "good" question?
• Do I care about what I am researching?

I Find...

Finding the information you need

As you are searching for information there are a few things you should keep in mind.

Ideas to keep in mind:

• Not all information is found on the Internet. Sometimes you will get faster and better information from a book (like an encyclopedia).
• Spend some time thinking about keywords you can use to search with.
• Learn how different search engines work. Try more than one, you will likely get different results.
• Always check the information you find with another source to make sure it is accurate.

I Evaluate...

Understanding the information you've found

Keep the following things in mind:

• Make sure the information is relevant to your topic.
• Pay attention to the Internet page construction, spelling, grammar, and the url. Those may be clues to the quality of your information.
• You want to be aware of when the information was published. Make note of the copyright date.
• Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. Ask your school library media specialist for help.
• Be aware of the differences between fact and opinion. Not everything you read is true.

I Share...

Telling others what you know

Keep the following points in mind:

• Make sure your presentation keeps your audience in mind.
• Make sure you answer your original question or questions.
• Always give credit to the anyone whose work you may have used (cite your sources).
• Be creative.