Focus on the information need1

  • 1

    Identify area of inquiry, decide how much information is needed and develop a search plan. 1.1

    1. a

      Work to develop a research action plan with timeline, keeping in mind and understanding online navigation procedures (e.g., toolbar, links, favorites or bookmarks). 1.1.a

      1. 1

        Topic and subtopics; 1.1.a.1

      2. 2

        Keywords and alternate terms; 1.1.a.2

      3. 3

        Research questions; 1.1.a.3

      4. 4

        Thesis or statement of purpose; 1.1.a.4

      5. 5

        Possible information sources; 1.1.a.5

      6. 6

        People to provide assistance with research (e.g., teacher, subject specialists, media specialist and/or public librarian); and 1.1.a.6

      7. 7

        Due dates for project. 1.1.a.7

Investigate resources to search for answers 2

  • 1

    Locate and evaluate relevant and reliable print and digital resources. 2.1

    1. a

      Use advanced search strategies to locate a variety of resources that represent a range of viewpoints and formats. 2.1.a

      1. 1

        Information need determines resources selected (e.g., newspaper, magazine, nonfiction, internet resource). 2.1.a.1

      2. 2

        Apply predetermined evaluative criteria for selection (e.g., relevancy, currency, authority, readability, primary vs. secondary sources).  2.1.a.2

  • 2

    Demonstrate an understanding of how information is organized and located. 2.2

    1. a

      Understand organization of resources:  2.2.a

      1. 1

        Headings, captions, keywords, glossaries, tables of contents and indexes;  2.2.a.1

      2. 2

        Alphabetical, numerical, topical, chronological or graphical; and  2.2.a.2

      3. 3

        Structure of the library (e.g., Dewey Decimal System).  2.2.a.3

Note and evaluate facts 3

  • 1

    Read, evaluate and select information to answer search need; take notes and record data for citations3.1

    1. a

      Use literacy skills and content knowledge to select and analyze relevant details and concepts from a text or oral presentation.  3.1.a

      1. 1

        ▪ Draw evidence from graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, maps, schedules, illustrations, photographs and other visuals to answer a research question; 3.1.a.1

      2. 2

        ▪ Compare topic coverage in multiple sources, noting point of view (e.g., opinion, bias) 3.1.a.2

    2. b

      Record sources of materials used (e.g., author, title, place of publication, publisher, date of publication, URL, page number)3.1.b

    3. c

      Observe ethical practices including paraphrasing and the selective use of quotations (e.g., avoids plagiarism) and recognize intellectual property rights, which includes the responsible use of online resources. 3.1.c

  • 2

     Analyze information gathered and compare with research need. 3.2

    1. a

      Review notes and/or information for clarity, coherence and completeness. 3.2.a

    2. b

      Revise and/or add new research questions based on information gathered and search for additional information as needed. 3.2.b

Develop information into knowledge for presentation4

  • 1

    Select a presentation format appropriate for the topic, audience and purpose. Communicate information and ideas using a variety of formats and media.4.1

    1. a

      Choose a presentation method based on appropriateness and personal preference. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of presentation methods. 4.1.a

    2. b

      Plan product by integrating facts and exploring original ideas based on notes using an appropriate organizer (e.g., outlining, storyboarding, webbing). 4.1.b

    3. c

      Use the writing process; media, oral and visual techniques; and technology skills to create products that express new understandings about a topic. 4.1.c

    4. d

      Show respect for intellectual property rights of creators by creating bibliographies of sources used, including in-text citations following a consistent formatting style (e.g., MLA, APA, etc.).4.1.d

Self-Evaluate presentation and search 5

  • 1

    Reflect on the FINDS process applying evaluative criteria (e.g., rubric, objectives) noting strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.5.1

    1. a

      Revise and edit the information product as needed. Evaluate the search process through oral discussion or writing exercises, identifying strengths and weaknesses with a peer, teacher or media specialist. 5.1.a

    2. b

      Evaluate the search process by looking for areas that lack adequate evidence and identify areas that need additional support.5.1.b

Frequently asked questions

What grade levels do these standards cover?
Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8
Where can I read the official document?
FINDS: Research Process Model 6th-8th Grade

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