Information Seeking Strategies - Big 6 Resources

Big 6 Resources

1. Task Definition 2. Information Seeking Strategies 3. Location and Access 4. Use of Information 5. Synthesis 6. Evaluation Additional Resources

2. Information Seeking Strategies

Determine the range of possible sources (brainstorm)
This means that you need to make a list of all the possible sources of information that will help you answer the questions you wrote in Task Definition. Consider library books, encyclopedias, and web sites to which your library subscribes (ask your librarian!), people who are experts in your subject, observation of your subject, free web sites and survey.

Evaluate the different possible sources to determine priorities (select the best sources)
Now, look carefully at your list. Which ones are actually available to you and are easy for you to use? Circle these. If there are some that you need help using, ask your teacher, librarian, mom or dad.

by: Barbara A. Jansen - http://www.big6.com/kids/7-12.htm

Information Seeking Strategies Lesson Plans

Step Zero: What to Do Before Searching
A method for determining keywords and setting up successful Internet searches.
Research Building Blocks: Hints about Print (Grades 3-6)
Students examine abstracts on selected books to determine their relevance and helpfulness.
Research Building Blocks: Examining Electronic Sources (Grades 3-6)
Help students examine and rate the relevance of electronic sources.
Listen, Look, and Learn: An Information-Gathering Process (Grades K-2)
This activity can help students develop strategies for extracting and evaluating information in all formats and in all content areas of the curriculum.
Adventures in Nonfiction: A Guided Inquiry Journey (Grades K-2)
Students are guided through an informal exploration of nonfiction texts and child-oriented Web sites, learning browsing and skimming techniques for the purpose of gathering interesting information. They share learned facts with others, develop follow-up questions, and seek answers using Internet search engines in addition to print resources.
Reading for Information: The Trash-N-Treasure Method of Teaching Note-Taking (Grades 3 - 12)
- Identification of Keyword and Related Words in the Researchable Questions
- Skimming and Scanning for Specific Information
- Extracting Needed Information
- The Trash-N-Treasure Note-taking Technique
SearchQuest: A WebQuest about Search Tools
A teacher guide and cooperative learning lesson plan for teaching search strategies.
Big6: How to Teach Information Seeking Skills with Big6 "TurboPlanner" (Grades 7 - 12)
- Determine all possible sources.
- What sources of information are available?
- Should I use print, non-print, or both kinds of sources?
- Am I overlooking any sources such as interesting people, movies, or museums?
- Did I use the online library catalog to identify possible sources?

Graphic Organizer for Information Seeking Strategies

Clustering: Use to generate ideas about possible sources of information.

Online Resources

Classroom Posters from Google
Handy tips on improving Google search results.
Internet for Education: Free, Interactive Tutorial
- Discover how to search Internet Effectively:
  - Compare different Internet search tools
  - Try some searches – to test the tools
  - Get some tips on search strategies
  - Try some searches – to test the strategies
Choose the Best Search for Your Information Need
Make educated decisions about the places to search for specific types of data.
Recommended Search Strategy: Analyze Your Topic & Search With Peripheral Vision
UC Berkeley - Teaching Library Internet Workshops
Beyond Googling Handout (pdf)
Guide and examples for Yahoo! Search, Teoma, Recommended Subject Directories, and methods for evaluating web pages.
Web Search Tips 101
Search like a pro.