Evaluating Sources

Title: Evaluating Sources

Author: Rene Ribant-Amthor

Grade Level: 9-12

Subject/Content: English/Source Evaluation

Summary of Lesson: Students will conduct research and evaluate the sources they find.

Focus Question: Are the sources you find credible?

Databases(s): Biography Resource Center & the Open Web

Procedures :

Teacher Preparation Planning: This lesson can be used in conjunction with any lesson that accesses the Biography Resource Center

1. Instruct students to access the Biography Resource Center.
2. Have students search for their chosen topic.
3. Direct the students’ attention to the four folders at the top of their page labeled "Narrative Biographies, Thumbnail Biographies, Magazine Articles, and Websites."
4. Tell students this is where they will find the sources they need for the assignment, in addition to other web sites on this topic.
5. Review the criterion for analyzing sources: author, publication (is it scholarly, substantive, popular, or sensational), and publication date.
6. Instruct students to research and evaluate at least seven sources from the Biography Resource Center and three Web sites from the Open Web that were not listed in Biography Resource Center. They should evaluate at least one source from Narrative Biographies, one source from Thumbnail Biographies, three sources from Magazine Articles, and two Web sites included in Biography Resource Center and 3 Web sites they find on the "open Web".
7. Once they have evaluated all ten sources they should write a one-page defense of their collected sources. Their defense should include how/why their sources are credible and how they enhance their overall research of their topic.

Steps/Activities by student(s):

1. Access the Biography Resource Center
2. Search for your chosen topic
3. Locate the four folders at the top of their page labeled "Narrative Biographies, Thumbnail Biographies, Magazine Articles, and Web sites"
4. Review the criterion for analyzing sources: author, publication (is it scholarly, substantive, popular, or sensational), and publication date
5. Research and evaluate at least seven sources from the Biography Resource Center and 3 from the open Web. Evaluate at least one source from Narrative Biographies, one source from Thumbnail Biographies, three sources from Magazine Articles, and two Web sites from Biography Resource Center and three Web sites found on the open Web
6. Write a one-page defense of your collected sources. Your defense should include how/why your sources are credible and how they enhance the overall research of your topic
7. This paper should be handed in with your final paper/project

Outcome:  Students will evaluate the credibility of various sources.

Related Activities: Students evaluate the sources of their peers and offer objective feedback.

Standard Date: Approved 1998

Content Standard(s):

• NL-ENG.K12.3: Evaluation Strategies
• NL-ENG.K12.6: Applying Knowledge
• NL-ENG.K-12.8: Developing Research Skills

Performance Indicators:

• At Level 1, the student is able to:
• Identify various sources from their research
• At Level 2, the student is able to:
• Evaluate the various sources they collected for their research
• At Level 3, the student is able to:
• Communicate the credibility of their chosen sources

Computer Literacy and Usage Standards 9-12:

• The student will demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of computer based technology
• 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

• Basic operations and concepts
• Technology productivity tools
• Technology communications tools
• Technology research tools
• Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Information Power; Information Literacy Standards:

• 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 6: The student who is an independent learner is information literate and strives for excellence in information seeking and knowledge generation
• Standard 8: The student who contributes positively to the learning community and to society is information literate and practices ethical behavior in regard to information and information technology