Science Projects

Science Project Research Hub

Access Databases from Home

To access the databases from HOME, you must go to the APS Library Resources in Canvas. Choose Middle School Databases. 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.

Developing an idea

Why We Do Science Projects – presentation for students

Developing a Science Project idea – presentation for students

Project idea websites

ULM School of Sciences Science Fair ideas page – scroll down to find project focused links
Science Fair Central – Project ideas grouped by categories
Thought.co Middle School Science Projects
Education.com Middle School Science Fair Project Ideas – Grade level filters in the left side menu

Database Resources Spotlight

Database Resources for Research (Access through Canvas from home – see above)

These first three databases are General Information databases/encyclopedias.
Use these databases to find general information, especially if you need to know definitions.
For instance, if you are trying to answer the question “What is solar energy?”

Britannica

World Book

Pebble Go

The following three databases contain reference information and articles from reference books, newspapers, magazines, etc.
Some of the information you find here will be news (just the facts) and other information will be opinion.
Use these to answer questions like “Why should I care about solar energy?” “How has renewable energy impacted climate change?”
You must read articles carefully to know if you are reading facts or opinions. (Opinions aren’t “bad,” they just aren’t facts.)

Explora

Science in Context

Opposing Viewpoints in Context

Tips for searching the databases:

keep track of your keywords – what works? what doesn’t?
look at the article’s date – this science is moving fast – make sure you are not using out-of-date information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.

Internet Searches - DRAMA and Lateral Reading

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 is a first step to determining credibility of a resourse.

DRAMA – a Google slideshow
DRAMA – a video explanation

Lateral Reading is more in line with general practice. It 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.

Research Tips - presentations from library lessons

Tips for searching the databases:

keep track of your keywords – what works? what doesn’t?
look at the article’s date – science moves 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.

Class presentations

Note-Taking

Note-taking

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

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 using NoodleTools

Citing Sources – slideshow and/or video instructions and demonstrations