RILINK Schools: Park View Middle School: Research Strategies: Extreme Weather

Lesson 1

Video: Planning for Research
Watch this video to learn how to focus your research on specific inquiries and how to prepare yourself for database searching with keywords.
Extreme Weather Research Organizer
Use this graphic organizer to plan your research topics in more detail.

Lesson 4

Video: Using Sources
In this final lesson, learn the difference between quoting, paraphrasing and summarizing and gain tips for keeping your notes organized as you prepare to start writing.
Guide: Quotations, Paraphrasing and Summarizing
Refer to this guide if you need help understanding when and how to use quotations, paraphrasing or summarizing in your writing.
Research Notes Graphic Organizer
This template can help you keep your notes organized by topic and source so you always can attribute your information properly!
Paraphrasing Graphic Organizer
Use this graphic organizer to practice paraphrasing different texts by outlining keywords and the main idea.

Lesson 2

Video: Finding Sources
Watch this short video for tips on using research databases, finding authoritative online sources and keeping track of your sources with citations.
Extreme Weather LibGuide
Check out these curated web resources on Extreme Weather topics that are approved for your use.
Gale Research in Context Database

Standards & Objectives

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.7/8.8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.

AASL Standards for Learners:

IV. Curate, A. Think: 3. Making critical choices about information sources to use.
VI. Engage, B. Create. 2: Acknowledging authorship and demonstrating respect for the intellectual property of others.

Students will be able to:

Define inquiry questions and keywords to find the information they care about.
Use approved databases and online resources.
Determine when and how to quote, paraphrase, and summarize informational text.
Properly cite sources per MLA format using Google Citation or citations from approved databases.

Lesson 3

Video: Keeping track of your sources (citations)
This short lesson provides tips on keeping your sources organized for easier citations, as well as using Google Citation to create your final works cited page.
Sample Works Cited Page
View this sample works cited page to see how your final product should be formatted.

Additional Resources

Getting Started: Research Strategy Checklist
Use this checklist when you start a research project to help you stay focused and organized throughout your project.
Creating a Works Cited Page
This guide explains how to use Google Citation and provides guidelines for formatting your final works cited page.