Data Collection: The Real Exploration Begins

Aim: How do we organize our data in preparation for the results phase of I- Search?  

Do Now: On a post-it, write down one problem or confusion you are having with I-Search.

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 on.

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 document every place you visited for your Works Cited and bibliography pages. 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 if you choose to share your citations on Google Drive (the last step of the "cite it" process), the site will actually create and maintain your Works Cited page for you in a Google document. Huge Shoutout to Daquan Mills!!!!!!

Step 3: Take notes! Most people develop their own style for taking notes. Some people use graphic organizers. Here's a worksheet you might find useful for taking notes.  Also, check out the link to citethisforme.com -- yet another cite for generating citations.

Some people just summarize, writing down the information that will be needed for the Works Cited page, including the page numbers, at the top of a Google doc or a blank sheet. Be careful: If you copy and paste any information into your notes, make certain you put the information in quotes. Then when it comes time to write your narrative, you can paraphrase the info or quote it. Either way, you will have to put an "in-text citation" in your paper, citing the source of information. We will go over this in class.

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, 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?

REMINDER: Drop dead deadline for outlines is today, Friday. This is worth 50 points and will represent your only project for the marking period!!!

To view the entire I-Search assignment, click here. To review how you will be graded, click here to see the rubric.

After the wrap-up and before you leave class, be sure to complete and turn in the daily Five Elements of Engagement worksheet.

***Always check Engrade for your up-to-the-minute progress in this class.***

Standards: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.11-12.2

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.