Use a variety of resources to gather information, like:
Books,
Statistics,
Databases,
The Web,
On-line encyclopedias...etc.
Use POINT FORM NOTES to write down your information!
Select Information:
Make sure your information:
is fact or fiction - True
is relevant - related to your topic in an appropriate way
is unbiased - Not having an unfair belief that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others.
is from a credible source- a source that is reasonable to trust or believe .
is up to date as possible- the newer the better
Now, select 2-3 of your best sources to use and :
Scan titles, subtitles, headings pictures, graphs, etc...
Refer to your question to help decide what might be useful
Read sections and look at pictures
Select the information that answers your questions and use Point Form or Jot Notes
Use a research organizer to help you keep organized
Organize, Analyse &Evaluate,Synthesize.
Organize - group similar points of information together. Use Your Research Organizer has already helped you do this!
Analyse & Evaluate - assess information collected. Does it answer your research questions? Eliminate unrelated points and/or gather more information for areas that are weak.
Synthesize - Rework your point form notes. Turn points into sentences and paragraphs. This makes it your own!