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Research at WMSIn 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)!
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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.
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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:
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.
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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.
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Information sources: similarities and differences
databasesTrustworthy: 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. |
BooksTrustworthy: 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. |
websitesTrustworthy: 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
Click on the rubric to go to a copy in Google Docs. Make a copy for yourself.
PRACTICE TIME
SCENARIO: You have been tasked with learning about the traditions of the Kwanzaa. You need to find out what the origins and Seven Principles (big ideas) of Kwanzaa are.
You have been given two sources and need to use your TRAC rubric to figure out which source you think is the best one to use.
When you have decided which source to use, fill out the handout.
(Make a copy of the handout before filling it out)
SCENARIO: You have been tasked with learning about the traditions of the Kwanzaa. You need to find out what the origins and Seven Principles (big ideas) of Kwanzaa are.
You have been given two sources and need to use your TRAC rubric to figure out which source you think is the best one to use.
When you have decided which source to use, fill out the handout.
(Make a copy of the handout before filling it out)
Source 1: Almanac.com
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Source 2: Lynchburg Parks and Rec
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