Research
Before you begin your research, be certain you have followed the instructions on the "Planning your investigation" TAB on the class website.
When you are ready to research, you need to think about the following things:
- How to effectively "search" for information about your topic.
Are you putting "Clear lake, IA" in your google search? If not, you may be coming up with other bodies of water.
Sometimes it is more effective to use the search engine of the resource (like go to a newspaper's website and search within it), sometimes it is more helpful to put the word "newspaper" in your google search along with your question.
Patience!
-you may come up with a pdf of 135 pages of information. That is because researchers publish their findings and they have tons of information to share. Use the following website to learn to use the ipad to search "on the page".
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/how-to-find-text-in-web-pages-in-safari-on-the-ipad/
Be informed!
-if you keep seeing the same term come up in your research (example, riparian buffer zone). Educate yourself! What does riparian buffer zone mean? I bet you will get an a-ha moment!
Are you ready to research?
You are looking for background information about your topic. Keep a record of your info and where you found it.
Be certain to copy and paste all the urls that give you good information when you record your inforamtion. Keep a running list on the same google doc that we have been working on.
A real person!
Make notes of people's names that may be able to help you. You can email them and ask specific questions. They may be able to hand over exactly the info you are requesting, or they may know who might have that info. Don't be afraid to ask!
People I know that are willing to help: find their email online...
Scott Grummer, DNR Fisheries Biologist
David Knoll, DNR Mason City
Mary Jo Burkgren, CLEAR Project Coordinator
Todd Vonehwegen, Lime Creek Nature Center
Ask for me to proofread your email before you send it out to these professionals. They are busy and I don't want them to be burdened by our questions. Let's make sure we are professional and specific.
When you are ready to research, you need to think about the following things:
- How to effectively "search" for information about your topic.
Are you putting "Clear lake, IA" in your google search? If not, you may be coming up with other bodies of water.
Sometimes it is more effective to use the search engine of the resource (like go to a newspaper's website and search within it), sometimes it is more helpful to put the word "newspaper" in your google search along with your question.
Patience!
-you may come up with a pdf of 135 pages of information. That is because researchers publish their findings and they have tons of information to share. Use the following website to learn to use the ipad to search "on the page".
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/how-to-find-text-in-web-pages-in-safari-on-the-ipad/
Be informed!
-if you keep seeing the same term come up in your research (example, riparian buffer zone). Educate yourself! What does riparian buffer zone mean? I bet you will get an a-ha moment!
Are you ready to research?
You are looking for background information about your topic. Keep a record of your info and where you found it.
Be certain to copy and paste all the urls that give you good information when you record your inforamtion. Keep a running list on the same google doc that we have been working on.
A real person!
Make notes of people's names that may be able to help you. You can email them and ask specific questions. They may be able to hand over exactly the info you are requesting, or they may know who might have that info. Don't be afraid to ask!
People I know that are willing to help: find their email online...
Scott Grummer, DNR Fisheries Biologist
David Knoll, DNR Mason City
Mary Jo Burkgren, CLEAR Project Coordinator
Todd Vonehwegen, Lime Creek Nature Center
Ask for me to proofread your email before you send it out to these professionals. They are busy and I don't want them to be burdened by our questions. Let's make sure we are professional and specific.