Research Guide

Define the Topic: What do I want to learn? What do I already know?

• Choosing a Topic 

Do Background Research: How can I get to know my topic?

Search the reference databases below for background information on your topic.

• Britannica School

• World Book Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos 

• World Book Student 

• World Book Advanced

Develop a Research Question: What question do I want to answer?

• Developing a research question (Example)

• Developing a research question (Blank Handout)

Locate Sources: How can I find relevant information on my topic?

Basic Searching Tips

• How to Generate Keywords (Example)

• How to Generate Keywords (Blank Handout)

Library Catalog

• Library Catalog

• Library Catalog HELP

Databases

• Basic Searching (video)

• Advanced Searching (video)

• Advanced Searching Techniques: Boolean Searching and Truncation (Handout)

Google

• Basic Google Searching (Video)

• Advanced Google Searching (Video)

Primary Sources 

• What Are Primary Sources?

• Locate Primary Sources

Evaluate Sources: How do I know if a source is credible and appropriate for research? 

• Crap Test Graphic Organizer (Handout)

• Fake News Checklist (Handout)

Cite Sources: How can I document the sources that I find?

• Citation and Copyright

Annotate Sources

• How to Write an Annotated Bibliography (Handout: Includes an Example MLA 8 Annotated Bibliography)

• How to Create an Annotated Bibliography in NoodleTools and Export into Google Docs 

• How to Archive and Annotate Webpages and PDF files on the Internet in NoodleTools

Develop a Thesis Statement: What I am I trying to prove?

• History Class: Writing a Thesis and Making an Argument 

Take Notes

• Locating Hard Evidence (Handout)

• Locating Hard Evidence (Video)

• Taking Notes in Noodle Tools (video)

• Taking Notes in Google Drive (video)

  • Google Drive Note-taking Template 1 (Detailed Version - Google Slides)

  • Google Drive Note-taking Template 2 (Streamlined Version - Google Slides)

  • Google Drive Note-taking Template 3 (Streamlined Version - Google Docs)

• Directly Quoting Borrowed Information

• Paraphrasing Borrowed Information

Organize Your Project

• Outlining the Project in Noodle Tools

• Use Noodle Tools to Start Paper in Google Docs 

• Creating In-text (parenthetical) Citations for Borrowed Information

• Sample MLA Paper 

• Sample Google Slides Presentation

Present and Share