1. THE BIG SIX: STEPS FOR EFFECTIVE RESEARCH
GRADE 10 – PERSONAL PROJECT
Name/s: Class: Subject:
Project Title:
INTRODUCTION: Follow these steps to help you research information for your project. You must do
the activity one step at the time.
STEP 1 TASK DEFINITION
Define your problem/ project. (What am I supposed to do? Why?)
OBJECTIVES (What will I learn?):
THE WORKING METHODS (How will I work – individual / group – who will do what; what process/es will I follow?:
THE FINAL RESULT (What language form will I use to communicate my information?):
IDENTIFY THE INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS. (What information do I need? i.e. facts, examples, diagrams,
table, graphs, experts.)
Step 2. INFORMATION SEEKING STRATEGIES
Consider: accuracy- (complete); related (on the topic); availability (ease of
use); appealing, etc.
Step 3 LOCATIONS & ACCESS
Consider possible sources. e.g. BOOKS, REFERENCE BOOKS (Encyclopedias,
dictionaries, almanacs, other reference materials); AUDIO VISUAL (CD roms, Videos /
VCD’S & DVD’S, cassettes, others), PERSONAL INTERVIEWS; INTERNET (record
websites used). Indicate which maybe the best sources and why.
Locate sources (Where will I find these sources?). List resource & call numbers/
location, etc. When located consider if the source is readable. – use the 5
finger method.
Primary Sources: Information gained from
eyewitnesses - interviews, photos, videos, original artifacts
Secondary Sources: Research on an issue from
internet, encyclopedia, experts, etc.
STEP 4. USE OF INFORMATION ( see note-taking sheet below to organise your notes)
NOTE:. Only written notes are to be submitted with your project. When taking notes avoid writing full sentences
– only write key words that relate to the main idea. Use these later when drafting to write your own summary of the
information (paraphrase). Record references of sources used on the Note–taking sheet. To avoid plagiarism both
words (quotes) and ideas taken from another sources MUST be acknowledged.
When collecting information consider the following:
Is the information suited to the project? (Coverage) Was the information written by an expert? (Authority)
Can the information be verified in another source?
(Accuracy)
Is the information objective? (Objectivity)
Is the information up-to-date? (Current)
STEP 4 USE OF INFORMATION (Continued)

2. A. INVESTIGATION OF TOPIC:
When investigating the topic write some questions to help guide your research. Write your notes in point form with no
sentences to avoid plagiarism. Add the details of each source used. This will help you write your bibliography later.
Source
Details
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
B. INVESTIGATION OF TECHNIQUES:
When researching the technique consider the method (steps), skills (actions) and material (resources) you will use to
make your project. Write some questions to help guide your research.
B. 1 METHOD – (What are the various steps you could use to make your product)
Source
Details
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3

3. B.2 SKILLS – (What actions will you need to perform to effectively make your project?)
Source
Details
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3
B.3 MATERIALS – (What will you make my project out of? What maybe some of the consequences of making
your product from this material?)
Source
Details
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3
Source 1
Source 2
Source 3