Evaluate Sources and Select the Most Relevant Sources to Use

What are some questions I need to answer?

What information will I need?

Skim over your research planning sheet for the number of sources and types of sources required for your final slide project.

When you are searching for evidence that YETI exists, but find information on this instead...

One research strategy to help researchers locate additional information is to try different keywords or combinations of key phrases when using a search engine.  In order to identify key vocabulary associated with your topic, you may also want to note any alternative names or terms associated with your unsolved mystery. 

Identifying alternative names or key terms while searching will yield you different results and may also help you locate more relevant information when you use Google.  

Though research links will be provided for each topic, you may choose to locate an online site through a search of your own.  In order to access information effectively, it will be beneficial for you to attempt different searches with varying key terms.

One example is searching for information on Bigfoot.  

There are various terms used to describe this creature.  One is Yeti.  Searching for Yeti, however, will mainly provide you with information about the popular Yeti products (mugs, coolers, ice chests).

Using both words  - Bigfoot Yeti - in a Google Search box will provide different websites than just using the search term Bigfoot alone.

*Besides the common name of your topic, you may also want to search with alternative terms.  Some examples relating to the unsolved mystery topics are included below.  Can you locate any vocabulary, key terms, or alternative titles for your topic that could be possible keyword searches?

Other Search Terms Relating to Unsolved Mystery Topics: 

Sasquatch, Yeti, Lost City Atlantis, UFO, alien, extraterrestrial, Moai, Rapa Nui, Devil's Triangle, sea serpent, Nessie, Marie Celeste

Open a new browser window and log into your Google account and then return to this page in order to access the keyword planning sheet and copy the resource into your own Drive for editing:

 Search Engine Keyword Handout  

Use the keyword planning sheet in order to generate a list of other search terms and to up your information seeking strategies and skills! An example is included!