The What and How of Research
What is Research?
Research is the process of asking questions, finding reliable information, analyzing what you’ve learned, and presenting your findings. It helps develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—key elements of the Applied Design, Skills, and Technologies (ADST) process in the BC Curriculum.
Students must know how to define a problem, locate information in their school library or database, select appropriate resources, organize notes, and present their work to their peers. They must also understand how to accept peer feedback and edit their work for mistakes. A basic introduction to preparing a cited list of references is required using MLA standards.
The BC Ministry of Education has produced a scope and sequence of what is required for research skills and digital citizenship in BC’s Digital Literacy Framework.
Why is Research Important?
Through research, students gain a deeper understanding of topics, practice evaluating information, and learn to apply new ways of thinking. Good research skills help students become independent learners who can effectively analyze information and communicate their ideas.
How to Research
To start with research, ask a clear question about what you want to learn. Once you have your question, look for trustworthy sources, like your school’s databases, educational websites, and books or journals. Make sure to check if the information is reliable, relevant, and not biased. As you gather information, take notes in an organized way, using graphic organizers or digital tools, and be sure to put the information into your own words to avoid plagiarism. When sharing what you’ve learned, you can present your findings in different formats, like a report, a slideshow, or a visual project. Don’t forget to cite your sources and review your work with feedback from peers and teachers to make it even better. By following these steps, you'll develop strong research skills and learn how to present your ideas clearly.
This short webinar by Cynthia Duncalfe and Margaret Basaraba will help you get started.
- 0:20 - 1:00 Overview of Session
- 1:00 - 1:51 What is Research?
- 1:52 - 3:26 The Research Process
- 3:27 - 5:19 How to Evaluate Websites
- 5:20 - 9:02 Creating a Works Cited (or Bibliography)
- 9:03 - 10:15 Using our Research Template
- 10:44 - 12:37 Finding Subscriptions and Passwords
- 12:38 - 13:41 Overview and Finding Information in SOPHIE
- 13:42 - 14:23 Usernames and Passwords in the Search Portal
- 14:24 - 15:07 Subscription Information in SOPHIE
- 15:08 - 17:03 FocusedEd
- 17:40 - 18:54 World Book
- 18:55 - 20:54 Gale in Context Canada
- 20:55 - 21:07 PebbleGo PebbleGo Next
- 21:08 - 22:01 KnowBC
- 22:02 - 26:00 EBSCO Explora
The Research Process
Research Templates
These research templates will guide students through the research process.
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Expectations for Grade 1 students: Write one fact and draw a picture.
- Expectations for Grade 2 students: Write two facts and add images and citations.
- Expectations for Grade 3 students: Write three facts and add images and citations. Grade 3 students can use the Grade 4-6 Research Template when they learn how to create a bibliography.
- Feel free to make a copy of this Notetaking Template for students in Grades 1-4