Databases, NoodleTools & Research

RN Databases

The Rye Neck District purchases a full array of databases to support the research and information needs of our learning community.  Our Search for Success format provides easy access to all that we offer, and ensures that one password will get you into any database.  Contact Mrs. Costelloe or Mrs. Vanagala for that one password.

Using NoodleTools to Organize Your Research - Step-by-Step Tutorials

NoodleTools is an online platform which helps guide students through the research process.  It helps them organize and analyze source materials, collect, synthesize and cite information in an ethical and responsible way and scaffold Information to help them conduct deeper and more meaningful research.

MRS COSTELLOE'S TUTORIALS to help guide you through your research project:

• • Set up or open your NoodleTools account

  • Start your project

  • Share project with your teacher

  • Add research question/thesis/hypothesis/main claim

  • Add your outline to guide your research

  • Attach your assignment

  • Manage your to do list and teacher comments

  • Add a source

    • When you are given the citation

    • When you have to create your citation

    • When you see the NT icon or link to IMPORT INTO NOODLE TOOLS

  • Create a notecard including paraphrasing tips

  • Organize your tabletop

  • Drag notecards into your outline

  • Preparing the In-text Citations / Parenthetical References

  • Create/Print Annotated Bibliography

  • Print outline with notecards in order

  • Write with a split screen

  • Set up your Google Doc

  • Add Works Cited page

  • FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)

    • How do I know if I have ENOUGH information?

    • Why isn't NoodleTools showing up In my waffle?

    • Why isn't the VIEW LIVE WEB PAGE link on my source working?

    • How  do I cite generative AI sources and when is this necessary?

Need government sources for your research?  Click here for info.

Google Tips

There's a lot of great information out on the internet, and knowing how to search smart helps you get there more efficiently.

Please don't forget to put any website you hope to use, especially for an academic assignment) through the CRAAP test (below) to  evaluate it's authority and usefulness!

C.R.A.A.P. Test

​For Evaluating Research Sources

We can't trust everything we find on the Internet.  But how do we determine which sites have the authority to be trusted and useful?  You'll have to put a site through the C.R.A.A.P. test to make that assessment.

Currency   -   Is the information recent enough for your topic?

• When was it posted?

• Is that recent enough? Do you need news or history?

• Is it updated regularly?

• Are the links functional?

Relevance   -   Does this information meet your research needs?

• Does the information relate to your topic, or assist you in arguing for or against a claim?

• Have you looked at a variety of sources and determined this is the best match?

• Is it an appropriate level? 

• Is it in-depth enough to cover your research needs, but not beyond your comprehension?

• Who is the intended audience?

Authority   -   Who wrote, published or endorsed the information and should we trust them?

• What credentials or expertise does the author/publisher/source/sponsor have?

• Is the author qualified to write or speak on this topic?

• Is contact information given?

• Does the url extension provide any insight (i.e. .com, .gov, .edu and .org)?

Accuracy   -   How reliable is the source’s content?

• Is it peer reviewed, refereed or critiqued?

• Is the information supported by evidence with sources cited?

• Can the information be verified on another reliable source?

• Does it appear reliable, free of typos, spelling or grammar errors?

Purpose   -   What is the author’s intent?

• Is the author trying to sell me a product or an idea?

• Is it possible that this was created to satirize or entertain?

• Does the information and tone appear impartial and objective, or are there political,ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases that are evident?

• Does the presence of advertising suggest bias?

• Do the authors or sponsors make their purpose clear?