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=Grade 8 Science= =Research Pathfinder=

Step 1 - Choose a topic.
Be sure the topic interests you and relates to science. If you don't know much, check out a list of possible topics (your teacher or librarian might provide them). Also, [|Science Buddies] may help, especially the [|topic selection]wizard You might check out a magazine source, such as: [|www.magportal.com.] It is a database of magazine articles based on many subjects. For additional resources on the process, see Understanding Science.

Ask yourself:
What do I already know about this topic? If the answer is not much, then read some reference books or encyclopedia articles on the topic. Do a **keyword search** on the and see what the library might have as well.

Step 2 - Develop questions.
What do you wonder about this topic? After reviewing the literature and thinking about what you still want to know, develop several questions that you still have about your topic. Make sure that your final selection can pass the filter test.

Step 3 - Define audience and product.
Be thinking about how you want to present your findings. To whom will you be presenting? What would be the best way to present what you discovered? What will you final product look like?

Step 4 - Find appropriate resources.

 * Review of the Literature: this is where you discover what has already been looked at by researchers on this question. Who are the experts? What are their opinions? How are they supported by facts?**


 * Pathway for science research topics:**
 * [|Periodical Databases] – EBSCOhost, E-Library and [|www.magportal.com]
 * [|Gale Virtula Reference Library]- a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources.
 * Use the OPAC– be sure to interlibrary loan those resources you need and we don’t have at FMS
 * Do a [|keyword search on the web].
 * **[|Google Scholar]** – part of the Google search engine that researches scholarly journal articles. Could be articles based on research done by specialists in the field of your interest.
 * [|FMS Subject link on the web] – check out the science links.
 * Ask an expert in the field!

Take notes from your sources. Be sure your notes are answering your questions. Note any new questions you might have as a result of your research. Look at your resources with an eye towards your final product. Example: Would that information work well in a chart? Be sure to use the right Notetaking Sheet with the bibliographic information at the top.
 * Step 5 – Gather Information.**


 * Step 6 – Produce the product.**


 * Step 7 – Share and evaluate.**