Research for Elementary Students
Research for Elementary Students
Introduction
This research aims to help elementary students develop essential information literacy skills. By understanding how to locate, evaluate, and use information effectively, students will be better equipped to navigate various sources and complete research projects successfully. This document provides a structured approach to learning these skills.
Research for Developing Information Literacy
Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
Purpose of Research
The purpose of this research is to guide elementary students through the process of developing information literacy. This includes teaching them how to find reliable information, assess its credibility, and use it appropriately for their academic work.
Understanding Information Sources
In this section, students will learn about different types of information sources, including books, articles, websites, and databases. Each source has its own characteristics and uses.
Types of Information Sources
|
Source Type |
Description |
Examples |
Strengths |
Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Books |
Printed or digital texts on various topics. |
Encyclopedias, novels |
In-depth coverage, reliable authors |
Can be outdated, limited to authors' perspectives |
|
Articles |
Shorter texts that often focus on specific topics or research. |
Magazine articles, journal articles |
Current information, peer-reviewed options |
Can be biased, may lack depth |
|
Websites |
Online sources of information. |
Educational sites, blogs |
Easily accessible, up-to-date content |
Can be unreliable, requires critical evaluation |
|
Databases |
Organized collections of information accessible online. |
Academic databases, library catalogs |
Comprehensive, reliable information |
Can be complex to use, may require access permissions |
|
Encyclopedias |
Reference works that provide summaries of topics. |
Online encyclopedias, printed encyclopedias |
Broad overview, reliable sources |
Limited depth, may not be up-to-date |
Evaluating Information
Students will learn how to assess the credibility and reliability of different sources. This involves checking the author's qualifications, publication date, and source reputation.
Evaluation Criteria
|
Criteria |
What to Check |
Why It Matters |
Example |
Red Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Author's Expertise |
Check if the author is an expert in the field. |
Ensures information is reliable. |
Expert in relevant field |
Unknown or unqualified author |
|
Publication Date |
Look at when the information was published. |
Ensures information is current. |
Recent publications |
Outdated or old sources |
|
Source Reputation |
Determine if the source is well-regarded. |
Indicates reliability and accuracy. |
Reputable publishers |
Low-quality or unknown sources |
|
Bias |
Check if the source has any obvious bias. |
Affects the objectivity of the information. |
Balanced perspective |
Clearly biased or opinionated |
|
Supporting Evidence |
Look for evidence supporting the claims made. |
Ensures the information is well-supported. |
Citations and references |
Unsupported claims |
Using Information
In this section, students will practice how to use the gathered information in their research projects. This includes citing sources correctly and integrating information into their work.
Citation Examples
|
Source Type |
Citation Format |
Example |
Purpose |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Book |
Author, Title, Year, Publisher |
Smith, J. (2050). Understanding Science. Academic Press. |
Reference for background information |
Use APA format for citations |
|
Article |
Author, Title, Journal, Year |
Doe, A. (2051). "New Discoveries in Biology." Science Journal, 25(4), 123-130. |
Cite recent research findings |
Follow MLA format |
|
Website |
Author, Title, Website, Date |
Johnson, M. (2052). "The Wonders of Space." Space Explorers. |
Include recent updates and information |
Include URL and access date |
|
Database |
Author, Title, Database, Date |
Brown, R. (2053). "Advanced Mathematics." Math Database. |
Useful for detailed academic research |
Include database name |
|
Encyclopedia |
Title, Year, Publisher |
Encyclopedia of Science. (2054). "Physics Basics." Knowledge Press. |
Quick reference for general overview |
Ensure up-to-date editions |
Summary
This research document provides a foundation for developing information literacy among elementary students. By learning about different sources, evaluating their credibility, and using information effectively, students will gain valuable skills for their academic journey.
Contact Information:
-
Prepared by: [YOUR NAME]
-
Email: [YOUR EMAIL]
-
Company Name: [YOUR COMPANY NAME]
This research is designed to be a helpful tool for both students and educators in fostering strong information literacy skills.
