Strategies for Building Background Knowledge
Before you can choose a single topic, you need to explore your interests and learn more about possible topics. It's like shopping. You need to see what's available before you can make any decisions. For this stage of your research project, the goals are very simple.
Browse what's available. Look at broad areas of information that are of interest to you. On each source, take the time to figure out how it's laid out. Look for its structure. Be sure to use the menus to access all that is available. Use the search box and click around a bit on the links. When you find something good, click on the links within or at the end of it.
Slow down and read the text thoughtfully when you find something that catches your attention.
Consider how much information is available on the topic. If it's a new discovery, there may not be enough information for you to build a solid project on. If you have an idea in mind but can't find anything on it, ask for some guidance from Mrs. Dyar or Dr. Zatalava. If you can't find enough information - or information on a level you can understand - you need to choose a different topic.
When you find an area that really interests you, read information from several sources to develop a solid understanding of the basics of what it is and how it works.
Talk about what you're reading with your classmates, friends, and family. Your ability to discuss the topic will help you understand the new information better and raise additional questions for which you can seek answers.
Resources to Explore
Gale Science in Context - Use your digital library card to access the database. Scroll down and click on the bold black heading that interests you. Then explore the subtopics.
Gale Databases in various sciences - Access from school or using the password on this spreadsheet.
Science News & Science News Explores - Sign in with your school Google account. Use the menu & tabs. Here is a list of what is available in Science News Explores.
Science Buddies - In addition to many videos, blogs, and articles, this site contains many experiments that may help you visualize how you might design yours. Go to the Site Map. Start by scrolling down the page until you see this heading in the first column: "Science Projects by Areas of Science", and then look for something that interests you. Browse through the rest of the site map.