Africa Research Paper (Konstandakis)

Getting Stuck??

We have seen a couple hints help out students who are stuck in their research. Don't worry, we can help!

If your historic figure is very modern, think about magazines and newspapers rather than reference books and databases for coverage. We recommend General OneFile in addition to the databases below. Once you search, use the box at the top right of the screen to see the different content types including newspapers, magazines, and books. This has been helpful even with some of the older historic figures, so worth a short for anyone struggling to find coverage!

If you are researching an older historic figure and are still not finding much, make sure you are using only their proper name minus any honorific titles. For example, don't search for "Queen Mother Nana Yaa Asantewaa of Edweso." Search for "Yaa Asantewaa" instead. Everything else, including "Nana" is a title or descriptor, not part of the proper name as used in the databases!

Is that website any good? One student found something that looked really promising. We investigated further and found out that the site BlackPast was named one of the Best Free Reference Web Sites 2011 by the American Library Association's Reference and User Services Association (RUSA). Check it out!

Still stuck? Go see your librarian!

Your Assignment

Remember you can link from your NoodleTools project to this page and from this page to the assignment sheet. So easy!

Africa E-Books Are Here

Check out our Africa e-books, which can be used by an unlimited number of students at the same time! Click on the title and then the open button. Username and password is same as for databases.

• AIDS and health issues in Africa

• A concise history of Africa

• Ecological issues

• Governance and leadership in Africa (try starting here!)

• Helping Africa help itself: a global effort

• Human rights in Africa

• Islam in Africa

• The making of modern Africa

• Population and overcrowding

• Poverty and economic issues

• Religions of Africa

Other Recommended Sources

Note: Database passwords are available online and at the front desk.

• Biography in Context (Gale) - great for people!

• Encyclopaedia Britannica - general background

• World History in Context (Gale) - world history database

  • Modern World History Online (Facts on File) - world history database

• World Geography & Culture Online (Facts on File) - in-depth, country reports

  • Gale Virtual Reference Library - reference e-books (direct link to history)

• AHS Library Catalog - actual books (we have some great ones!)

Mini-Lesson: Draft Thesis Workshop

Each class discussed the characteristics of a good statement thesis, drafted and peer-reviewed preliminary thesis statements, and submitted a revised preliminary thesis in NoodleTools for Ms. Konstandakis to review. Here are our characteristics of a good thesis by class (click through to see your block!).

Mini-Lesson: Pre-Search Mapping

Why take the time to do pre-search mapping?

• Be more intentional in thinking about search terms/phrases

• Build vocabulary about the topic

• Create a more robust/helpful search with better results

• Be mindful of exploring variety of resources

• Learn enough background to ask meaningful questions

What's the pre-search mapping process?

• Track search terms/phrases

• Identify sources of information

• Skim and scan 2-3 articles or resources per information source

• Record terms, big ideas, concepts, NOT take notes or focus on facts

• See, think, and wonder with your group members

What will it look like?

• Student exemplars

• Sample pre-search strategy map made by a librarian colleague:

Source: Buffy Hamilton.

Remember, your goal is to learn vocabulary and big ideas about your topic before you start focusing questions, taking notes, etc.

• Search mapping template

• Search mapping sample

• Exit ticket instructions

Source: Pre-search mapping lesson adapted from Buffy Hamilton and Norcross High School librarians.