Mission: Reliable Research!

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Before you start gathering information, you need to know two things.

1. where to find reliable sources

2. how to tell if a source is trustworthy

Start with where to look.

Your Research Treasure Map

The Library

Your local library is packed with books, newspapers, and magazines filled with useful facts.

• Even better?

Librarians are expert treasure guides! They can help you find books, online databases, and trustworthy sources.

The Internet

The internet is full of information—but not all of it is reliable. Some websites are made by experts, while others might be full of opinions, jokes, or even false information.

That’s why you need a research strategy!

The 5 Ws: Your Research Detective Toolkit

When using the internet, you need to think like a detective. Ask these 5 Ws to figure out if a website is trustworthy.

Who Wrote It?

• Is the author an expert on the topic?

• Can you find their name or credentials?

What Is the Purpose of the Site?

• Is it educational, news-based, or someone’s opinion?

• Does it include facts or just personal thoughts?

When Was It Last Updated?

• Is the information current or outdated?

Recent sources are often better for research.

Where Does the Information Come From?

• Does it link to trusted sources like universities, museums, or government sites?

Be careful with blogs, forums, and social media!

Why Is This a Good Source?

• Does the information match what you’ve read elsewhere?

• If something seems too wild to be true, it probably isn’t!

Using these 5 Ws will help you separate real treasure from fool’s gold when doing research!

Now, put your research skills to the test!