Back to School: Introduction to Online Databases

Grade Level: 7 - 12

Subject/Content: Any

Summary of Lesson: Students will learn to use the features of Gale resources to conduct online research

Focus Question: How can I use Gale resources to help me conduct research online?

Resource(s): Student Resource Center

Procedures by Teacher:

1. Arrange for access to Gale online resources and provide students with instructions on how to access these resources (this will vary from school to school, check with your media specialist if you need help)
2. Copy worksheet

Introduction to Student Resource Center Name _________________________ Hour ________ Student Resource Center is an accessible and reliable source for research throughout this course. This activity is designed to help you learn how to use SRC. Step One – Overview Begin by accessing Student Resource Center and following the directions provided by the teacher Read over the basic search page. What types of documents can you find? If you aren't sure what topic you want to research, what ideas and resources are available from the first page? What are some ways to refine your search? Step Two – The Tools Click on the Toolbox found at the top of the page. What things can you get help with from here? Click on the Cite a Source link and print it out – keep this in your class binder as a reference Step Three – Marking Items Ssearch for a topic (related to this class) Browse through the results page and mark three reference articles that sound informative Mark one magazine source, one academic journal, one news source and one multimedia source. Print your marked items page and attach it to this assignment. From your marked items list click on infoMark at the top of the page. What does this feature allow you to do with your research?

 

Steps/Activities by Student(s):

1. Students will take part in a teacher led discussion / brainstorm focusing on these questions:
1. Why is the Internet is not always considered a reliable research tool?
2. How can you tell if a Web site is reliable?
3. What reliable resources are available to me
2. Students will access Student Resource Center database based on their teacher's instructions
3. Students will complete the study guide provided

Outcome: Students will be familiar with Student Resource Center, know how to use it to find research and other helpful features

Related Activities: Students may collect research related to the classroom topic being studied or upcoming topics for extra credit

Standard Date: July 5, 2007

Content Standard(s):

• Locate, access, analyze, organize, synthesize, evaluate and apply information about selected public issues — identifying, describing and evaluating multiple points of view

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
• Find articles related to a topic they are researching.
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
• Use tools included in Student Resource Center to help them in writing a report.
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
• Evaluate and synthesize information collected to complete an in-depth research project.

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will develop skills using a variety of computer resources to increase productivity, support creativity, conduct and evaluate research and improve communications
• The student will use technology resources to improve problem solving and decision making skills and apply these skills to real world situations

ISTE NETS for Students

• Plan strategies to guide inquiry
• Locate, organize, analyze, evaluate, synthesize, and ethically use information from a variety of sources and media
• Evaluate and select information sources and digital tools based on the appropriateness to specific tasks
• Process data and report results
• Advocate and practice safe, legal, and responsible use of information and technology
• Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards 1-4:

• Standard 1: The student who is information literate accesses information efficiently and effectively
• Standard 2: The student who is information literate evaluates information critically and competently
• Standard 3: The student who is information literate uses information accurately and creatively