1.1. Define the problem

1.2 Identify the information requirements

Find information on the time span 1865-1914 on what life was like.

(3 chapters of textbook focus on: Immigration, Westward Migration, Rise of Cities)

Events –  riots, trial, assassination, battles (western US), World Fair, wars

People – must be American, might be a political leader, inventors, playwright/author, musicians, businessmen, athlete

Daily life – food, occupations, family, family background, religion, activities (sports, clubs, etc.), clothing styles, technology (inventions), popular slang expressions, household items, methods of agriculture, music, art, transportation, industry & manufacturing, education
Gather souvenirs

Format: text, pictures, map, timeline

2.1 Determine kinds of sources

2.2 Prioritize sources

Books, databases, Internet

*Remember, you may use only ONE encyclopedia entry!

3.1 Locate actual resources

3.2 Locate information

Books: Events: 973.8-9, Search the catalog, using keywords

Databases: Gale Student Research Center, Nettrekker, ONE encyclopedia

Note: DO NOT use Ebsco Searchasaurus or Primary Search- that is for elementary students!

Internet: Google for general searching, but remember that you will need to make sure the site is academically acceptable - make sure you can find the proper credentials.

Recommended sites:

University of Houston's Digital History - links to maps, timelines, and more

PBS The West - Journals, letters, reports, and images

Gilder Lehrman Institute of History - Immigration

How Stuff Works - Railroads

(Remember that Wikipedia is NEVER academically acceptable because it cannot be credentialed.)

4.1 Engage (read, view, interview)

4.2 Extract (make notes)

Take notes electronically using Microsoft Word and save them to a flash drive or your network folder.

Citation generator

Be aware that websites from a database must be cited differently than just websites:

Website from a subscription service

Author last name, Author first name . "Web page title". Institution or organization. Database name. Date of access. URL.

MLA date format: day month year

Header: 21 September 2009

Citation example: 21 Sep 2009

5.1 Organize information

5.2 Present information

Example of a correct "Works Cited"

You are required to have a Works Cited page - make sure it is in correct format, with 1" margins, 12 point Times New Roman font, with resources in alphabetical order in hanging format.

Remember, your Works Cited page will be in MLA format although your paper will NOT. (See requirements above.)

Only ONE encyclopedia entry will be accepted.

6.1 Judge the product

6.2 Judge the process

What did you learn about the westward expansion of the United States?

What did you learn about research?