Introduction

An integral component of the scientific process is a literature search for background information. The purpose of this lab is to become familiar with research techniques.

Select your topic from this list, or choose your own topic (must be approved by Mr. Anderson)

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Searching the Web

The World Wide Web is a terrific tool for information gathering. The two initial "challenges" Web-searchers encounter are a) too many hits, and b) irrelevant results. To prevent (or cut down on) this problem, do not begin your quest for scientific information by using an "all-purpose" search engine such as Yahoo, Excite, LookSmart, or Ask Jeeves. Instead, try some of the targeted resources listed on the high school library's science page, specifically the chemistry section.

The next challenge is determining if what you found was worth finding. Make sure you get a copy of Ms. Ryder's Guide to Web Site Evaluation. The Guide covers what you should look for before you use information from the Web in your paper.

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Locate an article in a scholarly journal

What do we mean by a scholarly journal? What's the difference betwen a journal and a magazine? Journals present scholarly articles and original research. They usually appear only a few times per year unlike magazines, which are generally published either weekly or monthly. Journals are not meant for general readers, but for professionals and students doing serious research.

The high school library subscribes to many databases online, but for this assignment a database called Expanded Academic ASAP is recommended. This database contains scholarly journals, news magazines, and newspapers - many with full text and images.

Expanded Academic ASAP

You are not limited to this database -- you can use any of the other databases the library subscribes to. If you are unfamiliar with any of the databases, please ask for assisstance.

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Search local libraries for books

Computerized library catalogs are called "Online Public Access Catalogs" or OPACs. The Jericho High School Library's catalog is not only computerized but it is available via the Internet. We call the Internet version of our catalog the Web Gateway.

If you are in school click here to access our Web Gateway

If you are not in school, click here to access our Web Gateway

Search Jericho Public Library's collection for books on your topic. The public library's OPAC is called ALISweb. When you search this catalog you must remember that you are searching all Nassau County public libraries, not just Jericho. Click here to access ALISWeb.

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