Conducting Research for Papers or Projects

Students use technologies to do research for term papers, class projects, and personal exploration. The Internet has opened up new worlds of information for students about virtually every topic.

Select a question below to learn more about computers. Use the navigation to the left to learn about other technologies.

1. Do teachers require all students to use technologies to complete class assignments?
2. How do students use technologies for research?
3. What do students need to know to use technologies for research?
4. Are there especially good sources for student research?

Are there especially good sources for student research?

Depending on the topic your child is researching, he or she may start by going to Web sites that offer general materials. Here are some of those:

Internet Public Library
http://www.ipl.org/
This site provides access to a number of general research tools (e.g., encyclopedias) as well as subject-specific resources.

WWW Virtual Library
http://vlib.org/
Another general site organized by broad topics.

Refdesk.com
http://www.refdesk.com/
Large number of links to a range of reference sources.

Yahoo Reference
http://dir.yahoo.com/Reference/
Basic reference sources on a number of topics.

For younger children doing research on the Web:

Discovery School.com
http://school.discovery.com/students/

For older or more advanced students, some of the following sites may be of use in conducting research:

The Gateway to Educational Materials
http://search.thegateway.org/
This site is directed primarily at teachers and parents, but students may find valuable information for the research project they are pursuing.

National Geographic for Kids
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/kids/index.html

National Geographic for Parents
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/index.html
For research on all things related to geography.

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