The Big 6 Template

Task Definition

1. Select a topic.
2. Decide what form your report will take: oral presentation, powerpoint, written report, etc.
3. Use encyclopedias to become familiar with your topic.
4. Then decide what information you will need.
5. List what you want to know about your topic.

• ________________________________________
• ________________________________________
• ________________________________________
• ________________________________________

Information Seeking Strategies

1. List all sources of information you might use.

• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________

Select the best sources for your topic

• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________

Location and Access

1. Learn how to do efficient searches online and in the online databases.
2. Visit The Wareham High School Library Home Page for access to valuable sources, links, and hotlists.
3. Use the online databases to search for magazine and newspaper articles, book reviews and more.
4. Use the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature to locate magazine articles on your topic. It is located at the end of the Reference area next to the Fiction shelves.

Use of Information

1. Read the material you have found.
2. Interview those with expertise.
3. Listen to audio tapes and watch video tapes.
4. Take notes, make lists, create summaries of information.
5. Learn how to create a bibliography.

Synthesis

1. Organize all of your information. Write an essay, create a time line, complete an annotated bibliography, make a newspaper, etc.
2. Demonstrate your knowledge: present a slide show, do a demonstration, write a research paper, create a video, etc.

Evaluation

1. Use the rubric or instructions your teacher gives you to make sure you are on track.
2. Make a list of what you are supposed to accomplish and check your work against it.
3. Compare your list of "Best Sources" you made above with the sources you actually used. Did you make good use of resources? Do you have a balanced use of resources? For example, did you get all of your information from the Internet and ignore books?

The "Big6™" is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com

Top of Page

Back to Library Home Page