West Fargo High School
Search Model
The West Fargo Public School District Information Search Model is a district-wide strategy being implemented. It incorporates seven steps that meet the national, state, and district standards and benchmarks.
This model not only is an information searching model, but also a model for higher-level thinking skills, problem solving, and conflict resolution. Why a district model?
Students will learn and use the process, students will become good information searchers and problem solvers, and teachers and students have a common model throughout all the grade levels.
INTRODUCTION
- HANDOUTS
- TIPS
- Use planner when teacher provides topics, sites, etc.
- Use organizer when no specific topic is given
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
- Jesse Owens Project
- Quantum Leap Project
- Math Problem (HS)
- Math Problem (MS)
- Persuasive Writing | Assignment | Activity Sheet |
STEP 1. CHOOSING A TOPIC/DEFINING A TASK
- HANDOUTS
- Idea Clusters | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Brainstorming Topics/Subtopics
- TIPS
- What am I supposed to do?
- What is the problem I need to solve?
- What do I already know?
- What kind of information should I have?
- May use Inspiration software.
- See Librarian for ideas.
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
STEP 2. DEVELOPING QUESTIONS
- HANDOUTS
- Generating Questions | Editable | Print |
- Topic Questions
- TIPS
- What are the questions I should answer?
- Do I need to read some background information?
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
STEP 3. FINDING SOURCES
- HANDOUTS
- Working Bibliography | Digital | Editable | Print |
- PowerPoint: | Finding, Selecting & Evaluation Sources | Beginning Finding, Selecting & Evaluating Sources |
- TIPS
- What are my possible sources?
- Should I investigate other libraries?
- What keywords am I going to use?
- More Tips
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
- LINKS
- Infotrac Student Edition | OPAC | SIRS | Proquest |
STEP 4. SELECTING & EVALUATING SOURCES
- HANDOUTS
- Website Report Card | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Evaluating an Internet Site 1 | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Evaluating an Internet Site 2 | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Small Evaluation Form (pdf)
- PowerPoint: PowerPoint for Step 4 is included in the Step 3 PowerPoint Above: | Evaluating Websites |
- TIPS
- Which sources should I use?
- Did I use the checklist to destermine:
- Credibility
- Accuracy
- Reasonableness
- Support of the Sources
- Did I evaluate the sources?
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
STEP 5. RECORDING & ORGANIZING INFORMATION
- HANDOUTS
- Note-Taking Form 1 | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Note-Taking Form 2 | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Project Outline | Digital | Editable | Print |
- T-Notes | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Storyboard for Media Project | Digital | Editable | Print |
- Storyboard for Power Point Layout | Digital | Editable | Print |
- TIPS
- How will I record the information?
- Have I answered my questions from Step 2?
- How will I give credit to my sources?
- How will I organize information?
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
- Jesse Owens Project
- Quantum Leap Project
- Quantum Leap Project (storyboard)
STEP 6. MAKING THE PRODUCT
- HANDOUTS
- TIPS
- How will I present the information gathered?
- What conclusions have I made?
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
STEP 7. EVALUATING THE WORK
- HANDOUTS
- TIPS
- Have I completed the requirements of the assignment?
- Is it logically organized?
- Is it carefully proofread?
- Is this my best work?
- SAMPLE PROJECTS
