Research Help for K-5

Supporting the information literacy skills of students

Developing a Topic
Browsing for topics: Students can use research databases like DISCUS, World Book, orPebbleGo to broaden or
narrow their focus based on available content. Mrs. Matney will provide an overview of applicable databases to
show how content can be found.
Exploring non-fiction through Dewey subjects: Students will learn how to search for and locate non-fiction
books in the library. Emphasis is given to understanding call numbers and how non-fiction books are organized
by subject.
Exploring non-fiction e-books: Available e-book databases include Scholastic TrueFlix and our library
catalog's FollettShelf.
K-W-L chart: Students use a chart like the one from ReadWriteThink to brainstorm what they already KNOW
about a topic and what they WANT to know through their research.
Word bank: Students create a "word bank" of keywords and synonyms to help brainstorm a topic.
Words/phrases can be written down informally or with a mind-mapping tool likePopplet.
Identifying Sources
Reference review: Students learn the features of various reference materials like encyclopedias, almanacs,
atlases, dictionaries, and thesauri. What features do they have in common or how are they different. What is the
best source for a particular need?
Reference scavenger hunt: Help students better understand reference sources. Make the lesson more engaging
by using QR codes to find answers to the questions!
Books and websites available through the library catalog: Identify non-fiction books as well as educational
websites using the WebPath Express feature.
Curated content: Find answers to research questions by using the Search and Find glog or any of the research
pathfinders Mrs. Matney created. If you have a specific research need for your class, Mrs. Matney can compile
age-appropriate resources.
Copyright-friendly images and videos: Students learn the importance of safe searching for all forms of
information.
Primary sources: Understand the difference between a primary versus a secondary source. A fun activity is to
integrate QR codes and Today's Meet for students to "chat" about primary source photos related to the
curricular focus being studied. Check out Mrs. Matney's Primary Sources glog
Search strategies
Text features: Students understand how various text features help the reader locate information.
Refining search results: Formulating keywords/phrases and using the Boolean operators (and, or, not) to
retrieve better information online.
Searching vs. browsing: Students will understand the logic of searching for specific information versus browsing
whether using the library catalog or an online source.
Evaluating Information
Google and Wikipedia: They may be quick and easy, but are they the best sources for quality information?
5 W's of Website Evaluation: Students actively think about where information originates from online by
questioning who, what, when, where, and why.
Web hoaxes: Don't be fooled! They look credible, but can you really trust them?
Responsible use of information
Paraphrasing: Students will learn how to put information in their own words, not copy (plagiarize) a text. Note-
taking strategies will focus on the treasure vs. trash method or writing in "caveman" language.
Citing sources: Give credit where credit is due! Complexity of citing various texts can be scaffolded among grade
levels.
Graphic organizers: A variety of graphic organizers can be developed by Mrs. Matney or modified to suit your
research project needs.
Digital citizenship & Internet safety: Kids learn techniques for how to be responsible and safe online.