Research Skills Study Guide

A student is writing a research report about the importance of drinking enough water. Which question should the student choose to narrow his focus?

• How much water does the average American drink each day?

• How does drinking water help the body work properly?

• How can you tell whether or not water is safe to drink?

• How do water companies get drinking water to neighborhoods?

A student is writing a reserach report about the ways in which amphibians are able to live both in water and on land. Which question should the student use to narrow his focus?

• What are the smallest and largest amphibians?

• How do amphibians breathe under water and also on dry land?

• Which species of amphibians spend most of their lives in the water?

• How do amphibians know what food are poisonous?

A student is writing a research report about the kudzu plant's impact on the environment. Which questions should the student choose to narrow the focus?

• Where in North America can the kudzu plant be found?

• How does the kudzu plant keep other plants from getting enough sunlight?

• When was the kudzu plant first introduced into North America?

• What are a few different ways to remove the kudzu plant from a backyard?

A student wants to learn more about trampolines. She finds this information in her research:

Many doctors recommend that people avoid having trampolines in their yards. Children who jump on trampolines are at risk of being seriously injured. Common injuries include broken bones, concussions, and sprains. In fact, there are thousands of emergency room visits each year caused by trampoline accidents.

Which question would provide the student with an ALTERNATIVE view of trampolines?

• Why do trampolines cause so many children to get hurt?

• Which types of trampolines are the most dangerous for children?

• How can trampolines help children get enough exercise?

• At what age are children most likely to get hurt jumping on a trampoline?

A student wants to learn more about electronic readers. The students finds this information:

Reading books on electronic readers is easier and more convenient than reading paper books. People can download new books onto electronic readers from anywhere. Also, electronic readers are lightweight, so people do not have to carry around heavy books.

Which question would provide the student with an ALTERNATIVE view of electronic readers?

• How can electronic readers be used by students in schools?

• How can writers publish books more easily for electronic readers?

• How have electronic readers made books cost more money?

• How have electronic readers made books heavier to carry around?

A students wants to learn more about cuttlefish. The student finds this information:

The cuttlefish is sometimes called the chameleon of the sea. It can quickly change its hue to match the colorful background of coral reef habitat, enabling it to evade predators. On the surface of its skin, the cuttlefish has tiny sacs that absorb light. This information is sent through nerves to muscles that contract and relax to release pigment or color. The cuttlefish can even mimic complex designs, such as zebra stripes.

Which question would provide the student with ADDITIONAL information about cuttlefish?

• What purpose does the cuttlefish's color-changing ability serve?

• How is the cuttlefish able to change its color to hide in plain sight?

• In what type of ocean environment does the cuttlefish make its home?

• How could studying the cuttlefish's skin benefit people?

A student wants to learn more about Bessie Coleman, the first African American woman and the first Native American woman to become a pilot. The student finds this information:

Once Bessie Coleman learned that French women were allowed to learn to fly airplanes, she began taking French language classes at night. She planned to apply to French flight schools. Coleman was accepted into flight school in Le Crotoy, France, and soon, she earned her pilot's license. She launched a career as a stunt pilot, earning the nickname "Brave Bessie" with her daring feats that dazzled audiences in both Europe and the U.S.

Which question would provide the student with ADDITIONAL information about Bessie Coleman?

• For what reason did Bessie Coleman learn to speak French?

• What types of tricks did Bessie Coleman perform for her audience?

• What was the reputation of Bessie Coleman as a stunt pilot?

• Where did Bessie Coleman receive her pilot training?

A student has made a plan for research. Read the plan:

Research Report Plan

Topic: the first American colonies

Audience: my teacher and classmates

Purpose: to inform

Research Question: How and when were the first American colonies created?

The student has found these sources. Which source would MOST LIKELY have information needed to answer the research question?

• a webpage that allows users to learn about what daily life was like for colonists

• a newspaper article that describes the types of food colonists ate

• a history textbook that provides information about early colonies and colonist

• a dictionary that offers definitions of words the first colonist used

A student is writing a research report about solar power. Read the sentences from his report.

Solar power is energy that comes from the sun. People get energy from the sun by using special panels that collect heat or light from the sun and change into another form of energy. Some people put these special panels on the roofs of their homes or businesses. There are even fields with many panels collecting energy from the sun. People can save money and natural resources by using solar power.

Which sources would MOST LIKELY give the student more information about the ideas he has written?

• a book called Solar Power Myths: Why Solar Energy Does Not Work

• a chapter called "How Solar Power Works" in the book Alternative Types of Energy

• a magazine articled called "Which Solar Power Technology is the Best for Your Family?"

• a newspaper article called "Local Businesses Promise to Begin Using Solar Power"

A student has made a plan for research. Read the plan.

Research Report Plan

Topic: Hunting for Fossils

Audience: my teacher and classmates

Purpose: to inform

Research Question: What does a paleontologist do when hunting for fossils?

The student has found these sources. Which source would MOST LIKELY have information needed to answer the research question?

• a webpage that provides images of different fossils found by paleontologists

• a magazine articled called "A Day in the Life of a Paleontologist"

• a dictionary that provides definitions of words used by paleontologist

• a book called Simple Steps to Become a Young Paleontologist