MS 8 - Environmental Science Infographic: Home

Where do I start?

• Start with the databases, they have your most accurate information!
  • even basic searches will start you off right
  • look at filters for specific type of information
  • look for "search within" box to narrow your results
• When looking at the Website Resources, think about which organization supports your topic, some examples:
  • ozone layer depletion - try the EPA or NOAA
  • food waste - try the USDA or FDA
  • wastewater treatment - try the USGS or EPA
  • GMO's - try the FDA or WHO
• Searching the websites
  • look for the search box and type in your topic
  • scroll through the results, looking at the titles
  • remember you are looking for basic facts, statistics, causes, etc.

Google Tips: 

• you can string together words without using and

• you can add "quotation marks" to specify a whole phrase

• you can string together synonyms using OR (make sure to capitalize OR)

Example:

• "ozone layer depletion" statistics

You need to asses your source!

• Type of organization - consumer group? political lobby? government group? who is giving you this information? have you ever heard of them?
• Is there an author? Do they provide credentials? 
• Publication Date - is it provided? is it recent?
• Can you spot the point of view? Is there obvious bias?

Organizational tips

• Remember to keep your sources straight! Make sure your information is linked to your source.
• Before creating your final product, you should plan out how to incorporate the required elements. You might make an outline or listing and then put your notes (and links) in the proper place. You can determine if you have everything covered, then decide what order to present your evidence.

Want to use quotes from your research to give your information authority as you provide evidence?

Try using these statements instead of "says":

• asserts 
• contends
• claims
• concludes
• suggests