Hilltop Elementary School is in the of Glen Burnie, Maryland  



GATHERING INFORMATION


          You've been given your assignment.   You have chosen your topic.   Now it's time to begin looking for information that will help you create an awesome project.  


Where should you start?


          You might want to begin by looking up your topic in a dictionary to learn its definition.   Or, you may want to look in an encyclopedia to get an overview of your subject.   Your teacher may have told you to use a certain kind of reference, such as an atlas or a magazine article.   There may be an online database that you have been instructed to use.   Maybe Mrs. Anders and Mrs. Briemann have reserved a special group of books in the media center especially for your class to use!


          Don't be surprised if you find out that you need to change your topic!
You may find that your topic is
TOO BROAD,
or,   just the opposite,
you may find that your topic is
TOO NARROW.  

          It's a little like Goldilocks and the Three Bears.   If your original topic is too broad, you may need to focus in on just one part of it.   If the first topic you picked was too narrow, and you are having trouble finding enough information about it, you may need to e-x-p-a-n-d   your subject area a little.   Your teacher, Mrs. Anders, or Mrs. Briemann may be able to give you some advice.   Just like Goldilocks, you'll know when your topic is "just right."  


          Once you are sure about your topic, you'll want to continue researching.   It's a good idea to keep a running list of all your sources as you work.   That way you won't be scrambling later when it's time to put together your bibliography.   Always keep your final project in mind.   Some information may be interesting, but will it "fit" into your project?  

          Also, you'll reach a point when it is time to stop researching, and begin working on putting your project together.   After all, you still need plenty of time to write your report, practice your speech, create that poster, build your fort out of popsicle sticks, draw and label that map of Hawaii, make that volcano out of clay, or bake and ice a cake to illustrate what a plant cell looks like!




  When it comes to sources...
don't overlook:
  parents, grandparents, and people you know  
  as possible sources for information.  



The firefighter who lives next door
may be able to help you create some sparks
for your poster on Fire Prevention!




Hilltop's How to Headquarters Creating Your Project Citing Sources Evaluating Your Project

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Our webpage visitors may contact our Computer Lab Tech, Ms. Hughes, at:

hilltopel@hotmail.com

Last updated 3/06