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Honors Algebra 2 Research Project: Home

Project Intro & Research Process

The Research Process

1. EXPLORE: Explore information on your topic. Learn basic background info and facts: Who? What? Where? When? 

2. ASK: Ask questions. Develop and refine a research question based on what you learned in your exploratory research. 

3. FIND: Find and evaluate sources. Look for sources that deepen your knowledge of your topic.

4. GATHER: Gather important info - go deep! Read actively, take notes, keep track of sources. What info is useful?

5. CONNECT: Connect your notes back to your research question. Can you answer your question? Do you need more info? Has your evidence led you to a new question?

6. PITCH: Pitch your ideas. Summarize your research and propose a product to your teacher or a peer. 

7. CREATE: Create your product with pride!

Note Taking Worksheet

TRAC: Source Credibiltiy

Trustworthy - It is clear who is taking responsibility

  • The author is an expert or the organization is reputable
  • A bibliography is provided
  • Contact info is provided

Relevant - There is a lot of information on the topic provided

  • The source is easy to navigate
  • The source is source bar or tool to help find information

Accessible - The information is easy to read and understand

  • The text is accessible to you (it can be challenging to read, but you are able to break down the information)

Current - There is a date given AND the information was published or updated within the last year

Keywords Do's & Don'ts

Keyword Do's

  1. Use your background knowledge
  2. Strong keywords can include: People, Places, Location names, Significant events
  3. Add to your keyword list as you find new keywords
  4. Use the sources you already have to identify new or alternative keywords

Keyword Don'ts

  1. Avoid long phrases or complete sentences
  2. Don't get locked in to your original list - keep adding as you learn more

Google Search Tips

To limit your Google Search results to more reliable websites you can do this:

site:edu + search terms 

For example site:edu inca empire

or

site:gov + search terms

For example site:gov ming dynasty

 

Databases

The WHS library website has several other topic-specific databases that may be useful based on your group's choice. Topics covered by the  include (but are not limited to):

  • Biography
  • Criminal Justice
  • Culinary Arts
  • Environmental Studies
  • Fine Arts
  • Health and Wellness
  • Psychology

Search the WHS Library Catalog!

 link to the WHS Library Catalog

Potential Books

Stuck? Sign up for 1:1 with a librarian!

Emotional Process of Research

Approved Websites

MyBib

Examples of Explaining Math in Accessible Ways