Research

Begin by searching for potential solutions to your issue. Explora will auto-populate your search. Then limit to magazines and newspapers. Change the published date to find recent articles.

OR, try a targeted Google search!

You might consider...

"possible solution" + schools + news articles

ex. "later start time" AND schools, then filter by News

ex. "nap pods" AND schools, then filter by News

Another good search term is "social emotional learning"

This is a major trend in education right now and a lot of schools are instituting SEL programs!

STEP 2: Finalize your topic!

As you determine what your initiative will look like, keep THESE FACTORS in mind. After considering them, you will answer the following questions in this document. (Need help? Check out this DEMO)

1. What is the purpose of your initiative?

2. What will success look like for you?

STEP 3: Find at least one source that supports the need for your initiative at Hunterdon Central. Continue using the resources in Step 1 and take notes. This information should contain statistics and facts about the impact your issue has on teens' health and wellness.

Keep track of your source information and notes on this SOURCE SHEET. If you're not sure how to fill out your source sheet, take a look at this DEMO SOURCE SHEET.

Research via Survey

As you begin finding information that supports your initiative, it would be wise to SURVEY your peers in order to ensure they agree that your idea is worth pursuing on a school-wide level.

Check-out the sample survey below! Would this work? Why or why not?

Creating Surveys in Google Forms

Use the tips in this slideshow to create your OWN survey for gathering valuable data.

Counterargument

Some databases are organized specifically around compiling resources around all sides of controversial claims: try searching these!

Once you find a counterargument source, complete a new source sheet for it! Be sure to use the correct URL so that you can return to the source later, if needed. The URLs for sources in each of these databases can be found like so:

ProQuest SIRS--Issues: use the URL in the address bar

Gale--Opposing Viewpoints: use the URL embedded in the MLA citation

EBSCOhost--Points of View Reference Center: click the Permalink icon and use the URL that appears atop the source

ABC-CLIO ISSUES--Understanding Controversy & Society: use the URL in the address bar OR the one embedded in the citation

Facts on File--Issues and Controversies: scroll to the bottom of the source and use the "Record URL"