WELLESLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL LIBRARY
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​Research at WMS

In sixth grade, students are introduced to how we do source-evaluation and research at WMS. The skills they learn here will help prepare them for all three years of middle school (and beyond)!
TRAC
At WMS, we use the acronym TRAC to evaluate all sources of information. Watch this video to learn about TRAC and how it applies to research and learning. 
Click the "pop-out" button in the top right corner of the video if it will not load. 
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Information sources

Now that you've learned about what the letters of TRAC stand for, let's see how it relates to different information sources. Here's a reminder of the three most common information sources for research:
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Books
When you're thinking about books for research, think about nonfiction or reference books that you'd find in a library or classroom. Books with publishers and authors that make them reputable. 
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Databases
Online databases are like virtual libraries that provide a variety of magazine, newspaper, and reference information and much more. What makes databases special is that they are collections of published sources AND the database has a publisher, so they're double trustworthy. Databases are accessed through the library website because we have subscriptions to them (which make them different from websites).
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Websites
Websites could be any source you find through a regular web search, from National Geographic to Wikipedia. Websites can be created and published by anyone with the knowhow.

DATABASES
Databases can be a little confusing, so check out this video for a reminder of what they are and how they work. 
Click the "pop-out" button in the top right corner of the video if it will not load. 

Information sources: similarities and differences

databases

Trustworthy: Definitely - because a publisher is taking responsibility*
Relevant: Maybe - depending on your topic - use the index and table of contents to check.
Accessible: Maybe -  depending on the learner.
Current: Maybe - but once it's published, it can't be updated!

*This refers to professionally-published books.

Books

Trustworthy: definitely - because a publisher is taking responsibility.
Relevant: Maybe - depending on your topic - try different keywords to see.
Accessible: Maybe - many different reading levels are offered.
Current: Probably - even if an article has been published, it can be updated because it's an online source.

websites

Trustworthy: Maybe - it depends on who is taking responsibility and this can be tricky to tell.
Relevant: Maybe - depending on your topic - try different keywords to see.
Accessible: Maybe - many different reading levels are offered.
Current: Probably - websites can be updated at any time, so there's a good chance it will be (but not a guarantee).

Using TRAC to Evaluate Sources

Go to this database article.
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Click on the rubric to go to a copy in Google Docs. Make a copy for yourself.
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  • Home
    • About Us >
      • About the Library >
        • General Rules
      • Acceptable Use Policy
      • Calendar
      • Mission Statement
      • Orientation >
        • 6th Orientation
        • 7th & 8th Orientation
  • Catalogs
    • WMS Catalog >
      • Catalog How-To
    • Comics Plus
    • Minuteman Catalog
    • Boston Public Library
    • Dewey Decimal System
  • Online Reference
    • Databases
    • Recommended Websites >
      • Rome Websites
    • Newspapers
    • BrainPOP
  • Books
    • Best Books 2021
    • Book Ideas >
      • Book Trailers >
        • 6th Grade Book Trailers
        • 8th Grade Book Trailers
    • Book Choice Helpers >
      • The Literate Mother
    • Book Madness
    • eBooks
    • Book Chats
    • Book Recommendations >
      • Book Lists
      • Recommendations
      • Breakfast & Booktalks >
        • B&B 2017
        • B&B 2015
        • B&B 2014
        • B&B 2013
        • B&B 2012
        • B&B 2011
        • B&B 2010
        • B&B 2009
        • B&B 2008
    • Series
  • Students
    • Bibliography >
      • Copyright Video
      • Copyright for Teachers
      • How to use MyBib
    • Bookopolis
    • TRAC
    • Check Your Facts
    • Google Apps
    • How-To >
      • Check Out a Book
      • How to use MyBib
      • Printing
      • How to Use SORA
    • MyBib
    • Project Links >
      • Sixth >
        • Astronomy Expo
        • Holy Places Mini project
        • Research Toolkit
        • Planet Resources
      • Seventh >
        • Editorials
        • I-Search
        • Newsworthy >
          • Practicing Quality Journalism
        • Trident Research
      • Eighth >
        • Civics Project
        • House Unplugged
        • Information Consumers
        • Social Media
    • Vocab Games
  • Summer Reading
    • Summer Reading 2022
    • Past Years >
      • SR 2021
      • SR 2020
      • SR 2019
      • SR 2018
      • SR 2017
      • SR 2016
      • SR 2015
      • SR 2014
      • SR 2013
      • SR 2012
      • SR 2011
      • SR 2010
      • SR 2009
    • WHS Summer Reading
    • Video Book Talks
  • Diverse Book Resources
  • Remote Learning
  • Viral Rumor Rundown
  • Music & Slavery
  • RLS
  • Book Blurbs
  • book group
  • Sweet of the States