The Real Exploration Begins

Aim: How do we begin conducting the data collection phase of I-Search?

Do Now: On a post-it, write down one assumption, one prediction and one initial question you have pertaining to your hypothesis for your I-Search project.

Now it is time to begin your focused hunt for an answer to your brain science question/hypothesis. This involves some research using both primary and secondary sources. As you conduct your hunt, it’s important to document every place you visited (figuratively speaking) so that no one accuses you of plagiarism or, worse, making up stories.

Using primary sources requires documentation as well. For example, if you decide to interview a person with Tourette’s syndrome, you’ll have to document whom you interviewed, when and where.

Step 1: Make a beginning list of sources you want to check for information on your topic. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be a long list. As all good detectives know, one good source of information leads to another good source and so on and so one.

You might want to begin your search at one of these two Web sites:

http://learni.st/users/patty.kennington/boards/17472-brain-science

http://www.scoop.it/t/brain-science

And of course you know, there is always Google!

Step 2: As you search and take notes, you should also be documenting every place you visited for your footnotes, Works Cited page, and bibliography. There are many formats for this depending on discipline (subject). Since this is an English class, you should follow the Modern Language Association's (MLA) format.

Lucky for you, there are many Web sites that will format your Works Cited page for you. Check out this one: http://www.easybib.com/  Notice that MLA formatting is free at this site.

Step 3: Take notes! Most people develop their own style for taking notes. You might want to create a graphic organizer for yourself, or you just might want to write down the information you’ll need for the Works Cited page, including the page numbers, at the top of a sheet of paper and then just begin writing down the most important points. Here's a worksheet you might find useful. Also, check out the link to citethisforme.com. 

As you conduct your search, it’s crucial to record and document every step you take. Once you feel you have collected enough research to analyze your big question, complete the Search/Hunt section of the outline, writing about your journey of discovery. What did you read? Who did you interview? What did you learn? Explain all of this in a narrative (story) form. Again, show your work to your editor and/or teacher for comments and suggestions.

Final reflection: What surprising fact or idea did you learn as you conducted your search?


Standards: 

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.7 Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

• CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.8 Gather relevant information from multiple authoritative print and digital sources, using advanced searches effectively; assess the strengths and limitations of each source in terms of the task, purpose, and audience; integrate information into the text selectively to maintain the flow of ideas, avoiding plagiarism and overreliance on any one source and following a standard format for citation.