Ebenezer

M iddle
School
Library Services

D IS C O V E R M e th o d
Research projects do not have to be overwhelming.
They can in fact be quite fun and rewarding. The
DISCOVER method is a proven research method that
has been used by many students with much success.

Please refer any questions that you

have about the discover method to the following
DISCOVER…
school personnel:

•Christie Durden – 7th grade Science

cdurden@effingham.k12.ga.us

• Carmen Parker – 6th grade Language Arts.

how to do
carmenparker@effingham.k12.ga.us

• Eric Harris – Energy Management.

research on the
eharris@effingham.k12.ga.us

• Sheila Neidlinger – Media Specialist

Ebenezer
M iddle
School
Internet
snedilinger@effingham.k12.ga.us

• Sandee Yawn – Media Center Staff.

1100 Ebenezer Road
Rincon, GA 31326
912-754-7757
http://www.effinghamscho
successfully.
syawn@effingham.k12.ga.us ols.com/ebms/site/default.a
sp
 DISCOVER Research Method
HELPING STUDENTS
CONQUER THE CHALLENGES OF THE INTERNET
5. O rganize
Learn just a few simple steps to make research
Step 5: Organize the information that you have
projects simple and stress free!
collected so that it works for you. This is the step
where you will ask yourself- Have I answered my
research problem? If the answer is yes then you are
Most students agree that the most challenging aspects of
ready to move on.
research projects are knowing where to begin and
maintaining focus throughout the project. When you use the 6 . Ve r i f y
D IS C O V E R STE PS
DISCOVER method of research, beginning becomes easier and Step 6: Now it is time to make sure that your
• D E F IN E • O RG A N IZ E
staying on track is a breeze. information is reliable. Remember that anyone can
• IN Q U IR E • V E R IF Y publish anything on the Internet, whether it is true

• S E A RC H • EXPRESS
Usable steps for or not. You need to consider the motives of the

• C O LL E C T • REFLECT
your research needs author and whether the information is up to date or

1. Define
Step 1: Define what it is that you are looking
• SEARCH
for. Define the Who, what, when, where, and
why. It may help to organize your search in a
graphic organizer. If you keep your search
terms as specific as possible, it will help you
stay focused.
2. Inquire
Step 2: Make some inquiries into different
sources. Don’t get bored with the ordinary.
Explore unusual resources like pictures,
videos, interviews, blogs, and others. Have
some fun!
not.
3. Search
Step3: Now it is time to search for the
7. Express
information that you need. Don’t just rely
Step 7: This is the really fun part. Express
on a Google search. Dry a meta-crawler
yourself! Use your information to create your
like Dogpile. Try something new!
finished product. Be creative!
4. Collect
8. R e f l e c t
Step 4: Collect the information that you
Step 8: You’re almost done. Now is the time to
need as you complete your search.
reflect on your work. Do you have enough
Remember to collect crediting information.
information? Is your information current? Did
This will help you keep the project
anything unexpected turn up? Do you need to
manageable.
revise? Are you happy with your product?

T H E D I S C O V E M E T H O D H A S H E L P E D C O U N T L E S S S T U D. EI N T TCSA N H E L P Y O U T O .
The media center staff is here for you. Let us know what we can do to help you as you continue to DISCOVER!