Human Impact Project Research Hub

How can I take action to create change?

To access these resources from HOME, you must go to the APS Library Resources in Canvas. Choose Middle School Databases. The databases Science in Context, and Opposing Viewpoints in Context are best for this research and are circled on the image below. If you have any trouble accessing these databases through Canvas, please let me know. And remember, it’s better to go through the browser rather than the app.

Ecology Research Resources
Curated websites – These website have topic ideas.
Environmental Topics – EPA	Environmental Issues in the news – Science Daily	Threats – World Wildlife Fund
Databases – These databases can be searched for more info. The articles you find will be from reference books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Some will be just facts, others will be opinion articles based on facts. If you are asked for a password to access, refer to the table above with info about using from home.
Health and Wellness	Science in Context	Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Tips for searching the databases for these topics: (potential search terms) look at the article’s date – this science is moving fast – make sure you are not using out-of-date information determine if you are reading a fact-based article or an opinion article based on facts. An opinion article *may* be presenting only one side of the story.

Civics Research Resources
Curated websites – These websites have information about civic engagement and activism.
Making Civic & Community Impact – Bellevue College Be sure to scroll down to “How to Engage” and “Avenues for Civic Impact”	Student Activism 101: How to find your cause & get started – linked from the Youth Activism Project	Civic Engagement – Youth.gov
Databases – These databases can be searched for more info. The articles you find will be from reference books, newspapers, magazines, etc. Some will be just facts, others will be opinion articles based on facts. If you are asked for a password to access, refer to the table above with info about using from home.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context	Health and Wellness	Biography in Context
Tips for searching the databases for these topics: (potential search terms) look at the article’s date – make sure you are not using out-of-date information determine if you are reading a fact-based article or an opinion article based on facts. An opinion article *may* be presenting only one side of the story.

Internet Searches

If you choose to do internet searches after using the databases, bear in mind you will have the additional step of evaluating your source for credibility and accuracy. Use DRAMA and Lateral Reading to guide you.

DRAMA - date, relevance, accuracy, motivation, authority

DRAMA – a Google slideshow

DRAMA – a video explanation

Lateral Reading

Lateral reading is when you have multiple tabs open about the same topic. You read and compare the info on all the pages to get the full picture.

Lateral Reading – video by University of Louisville Research & Assistance Dept.

Note-taking

Taking notes and keeping track of the source of your information are essential for making convincing, informed presentations and arguments.

Example

Some thoughts about note-taking:

always put quotes around phrases you copy exactly from the article
your ability to paraphrase is a good measure of whether you understand what you are reading
- look up words you don’t know
- ask for help to figure out difficult concepts
gather as much information/evidence as you can. You may not use it all in your final product. (In other words, don’t second guess yourself as you take notes wondering if you will need that info. Get the info and decide later.)

Citing Your Sources

Cite your sources in APA format with a References page at the end of your project showcasing full citations. You can also include In-text citations that refer to your source right where you use that information.

NoodleTools Help Guide – Mrs. Yu, APS Librarian – a slideshow overview

Create Your Project

Citing Databases using NoodleTools

Citing Websites using NoodleTools

Export Your References from NoodleTools

MLA vs APA: Works Cited vs References

How can I take action to create change?

Ecology Research Resources

Civics Research Resources

Internet Searches

Note-taking

Citing Your Sources