My class is currently working on an informational writing unit.  Each group is learning about a different animal (lions, dolphins and eagles) and together, we are learning about penguins.  I wrote this guide with my students in mind.  I teach third and fourth grade special education.  The students in my class require step-by-step directions with picture clues and modeling.  Too many steps, however, prove to be confusing and too difficult.  This information literacy guide is specific to the student’s current writing unit, but also serves as a guide to informational research for New Media.  

Using the Internet to Research 

Step 1: Think About Your Topic- and be specific!

For our informational books, each group will be researching a different animal.  Together, we have been learning about penguins.  What are some of the specific things that we want to know about penguins?

Step 2: Make a list of specific information that you want to know. Use key words and bullet points.  We can look back at our KWL chart to help us.  For example, our class chart says we want to know about:

ü  Penguins prey

ü  Penguins predators

ü  Penguins adaptations

ü  Penguins habitat

Knowing the specific information that you are looking for makes research easier!

Step 3: Using either Google or Bing type the specific key words into the search box and see what the results are.  

 

You can also search websites that we use often such as kids.nationalgeographic.com or timeforkids.com.  Searching for images is another great way to help bring your research to life. 

Step 4: Check more that one website to make sure that you are getting the same information.  Always think to yourself, “Is this logical? Does it make sense?”  If the answer is no, keep searching.  If your still not sure, ask an adult.