Research Tips

Search Terms

• On each page there is a google search box with helpful search terms to use
• On a sheet of paper create a list of words that were used in your search
• Write down new words on the list
  
• Use a thesaurus and look up synonyms for the search terms
  
• Refine the question, narrow down the topic
  


Example of breaking down a questions a creating a search term list.

Question:  What plants are found in the south?

 Plants                              South                                               Found

Flora                                Southern United States                        grow

Flowers                            Southern Region United States               live

Trees

Native plants

grasses

 words to enter into a google search– flora grow southern United States

 Works Cited - giving credit to the people and place were the information came from

• Keep track of the places where you get your information
• Open a Word document to copy and paste the web address
  
• Add a short description to remember what information the site had
  
• For books fill in the Works Cited sheets (example found below, feel free to print)

 Other Tips

• Trying searching in www.carrot2.org
• Look at the tree diagram provided on carrot2 and see if there are new words to had to search term list
• When frustrated or stuck walk away from the computer and try a book
• Find new search terms in book
• Go back to computer and try again
• Take notes on what you find and where you find it
• Ask for help 

 Take your time and read the pages for information.  The information will not jump off the page at you!

Why Use a Database?

You will want to try searching in a database as well as on the web.  A database is a collection of information such as, full-text magazines, journals, newspapers, reference materials and other specialized information sources.   Try out the link below to Badgerlink and see how your results are different from a Google search.