Step+3

__**Step 3**__

This step is one of the most important steps. Remember that your research should be based on the //questions that you form// from your prior knowledge. You should try to have between five and ten questions formed about your topic before you begin your research.

__An Introduction to Research and Questioning__
 * What research //is not//: "Hmmm, I think I'm going to research Hockey. Okay, sounds good! Off to the computer lab I go! Let's see, I need to search Hockey on Wikipedia. Hmmm, okay, I'll just start reading from the top of the article and copy and paste everything I think is information into my notes document. Okay, great! Finished!" ||
 * What research //is// : "Let's see, my topic is Hockey sticks. Okay, sounds good! I had better form some questions about hockey sticks before I head to the computer lab. After all, I don't want to waste my time on information that isn't important to me! I'd sure like to know how they're made, especially the carbon composite sticks. They're a lot different from regular wood sticks. Also, I wonder what makes one stick better than another? Is there really a difference between a $200 stick and $40 stick? I'm going to go and find out." ||

At this point, it may be helpful to look back at your mind map and start refining some of your questions. So:

"When was the first hockey game played?"

//becomes//

"When was the first organized hockey game played? Who were the people who played it//?// Did it look like how a hockey game is played today? Was there anyone who went on to be involved an early form of the NHL or another league?"

The process of building new questions from your existing questions is important. Also remember that as you discover new things about your topic, you may develop even more questions. This is normal, and a good thing.

Taking Notes - Is There a Right Way?

Taking notes can often be disorganized. During this project, I expect that you will use a word program to help you keep your notes neat and organized. As you research and discover answers to your questions, record your notes according to what question you are addressing, or what area it best fits. Remember that you might encounter multiple answers to the same question. Don't just stop as soon as you //think// you've found what you're looking for.

Below is a short example of how you ma choose to organize your notes:
 * __//**Notes on Ford Mustang**//__

__Engine Info__
 * First engine was a 260cu V8 - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang - Accessed Dec 3, 2010)
 * Etc.
 * Etc.
 * Etc.

__History Info__
 * First car rolled off the line in April 1964 - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang - Accessed Dec 2, 2010)
 * One of the oldest name of cars offered by the Ford Motor Company - (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Mustang - Accessed Dec 3, 2010)
 * Etc.
 * Etc.
 * Etc.

__Famous Models Info__
 * 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 - (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkqPABa7JiY - Accessed Dec. 3, 2010)
 * Etc.

__Newest Version__
 * New models start at $22,999 - (http://www.ford.ca/app/fo/en/cars/mustang.do#zip_popup - Accessed Dec.2, 2010)
 * Etc.
 * Etc. ||

Important - Record your notes in your own words as I did above. Do not copy and paste. This is for two reasons. First, when you write the notes out yourself, you are much more likely to remember that information for later use. Copy and paste will not do this for you. Second, if you take your notes in your own words, it will be much less likely that you will accidentally plagiarize the work you took your notes from. Copy and pasted notes will not be accepted, and you will be asked to redo the research.

Another thing that is important to remember : Record the source of your information. Part of the written report will be a bibliography. You will have to let me know where you found your information, so that I can check it for accuracy. If you get your information from a website, record the title of the website, the URL (web address), and the date you accessed the site. Do this for every site you get information from.

If you get information from a book, be sure to record the title of the book, the author, the name of the publisher, and the year of the copyright. Also include the page number.

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