...So I know where I might look for a source...
...but how do I actually get my hands on the material?
How do I get at the source?
Recording My Project! How do I record what I hear or see
My project
This stage shows you how to gather information or, how to gather your research. There are many places you can gather and record information. For example, from people, places, books and the internet. This stage shows you how to organise and record the information for your project.
The checklist will help you organise your research.
You can gather and record information from people, places, books and online. This can be a lot of fun.
You need to organise visits to useful places by contacting them and arranging how to get there. You also need to be prepared by taking the right things with you. The same goes for getting someone from outside to come to your class and talk to you.
Even books and websites need some preparation. The pages of a book and the internet can be difficult and boring places to be if you don’t know your way around. So have a group discussion to work out how to organise things and how to prepare. Use the resources here to help you.
Use your library catalogue to find the books you need. If you don’t know how the catalogue works, ask the librarian.
When you find a book, use the contents page and index to help you. Look for relevant keywords.
When you find relevant keywords, go to the page to read more about them. Take notes of the information you find on the page. Remember, you shouldn’t copy everything word-for-word straight out of a book for your own project unless it’s a quote. Ask your teacher for help if you’re not sure.
To find useful websites, you need to type relevant keywords into a search engine. An example of a search engine is Google.
If the site you found has its own search box, type in some keywords to see if it has the information you’re looking for. Otherwise, look at the menu options and see if clicking on any will take you to the right page. Remember to look at more than one website.
When you find relevant keywords, go to the page to read more about them. Take notes of the information you find on the page. Remember, you shouldn’t copy everything word-for-word for your own project unless it’s a quote. Ask your teacher for help if you’re not sure.
Find out if there are any people in your school or community that could give you even more information. For example a musician or policeman. There may be experts in your own family so ask them too!
Invite an expert to school to speak to your class or organise a trip to interview them. Ask your teacher to give them a call, or send them an email. You can also try and write them a letter as a class.
Prepare a list of relevant questions so you can interview them. Make sure you listen to the answers and write down as much as you can. Use a device for recording, too.
