I-Search: Keeping a Research Journal

Now that you've done some preliminary research on a topic or two, you're probably either:

• thrilled to have found so many sources available 

OR

• frustrated and disappointed that you couldn't find much out there about your topic.

Many of you asked if you could change your topics, and the answer to that question is yes.  But either way, I want you to start recording the steps in your process in your I-Search Journal. 

Here's the AIM for today's lesson:  Students will create and begin writing in an I-Search Journal, then continue with the process of their I-Search. 

Lesson Steps:

1. Open a new screen so you can read these directions and follow them, then go to your 8th grade site and log in.
2. Create a new story called I-Search Journal, then link it to your name page.  (If you need help with this, click here for a step-by-step lesson on creating a story and making a link to it on your name page.)
3. Look at this example, then reflect back on last Friday's preliminary research lesson and write an entry in your own I-Search Journal using the same style.  You must write an entry for each day you work on your I-Search.  Each entry must include the date, any important sources you found, questions, problems, successes and frustrations. 

You will have a hard copy (paper copy) of an I-Search Journal if there's ever a time when you're working on your I-Search and can't get to a computer.  You can then enter the text from that entry into your computer I-Search Journal later.