Energy Research (Grade 8, Ms. Roy)
Databases
Databases give you access to content not available on the free web.
Databases give you access to content not available on the free web.
Science in Context
Gather background information from up-to-date reference sources, browse featured articles and news sources (some full-text, some citation-only) and take advantage of the provided citations. The Related section videos and links may be helpful. Search tip: To find general information, search alternative and renewable energy or energy efficiency, then use the name of your specific renewable energy (ex. wind energy) to view sources specific to that topic. |
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Contains articles that are for and against a controversial topic, objective overviews, news and reference articles, some statistics and website links. Search tip: Use this resource for answering "bigger" concept questions like why renewable energy is important for the future and whether there are any negative impacts after extensive research of your topic. Search renewable energy. |
eBooks
eBooks can be accessed from any device with Internet access.
No username is required for these Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) eBooks, but must be in Massachusetts to use.
eBooks can be accessed from any device with Internet access.
No username is required for these Gale Virtual Reference Library (GVRL) eBooks, but must be in Massachusetts to use.
Environmental Encyclopedia (2003)
In-depth, worldwide coverage of environmental issues; written in "nontechnical" language and provides analysis and suggested solutions beneficial to the environment. Search tip: Use the left-hand search box to search the text for a term or phrase to view a list of articles that mention the term. |
Environmental Issues: Essential Primary Sources (2006)
A collection of full or excerpted documents---speeches, legislation, news articles, essays, memoirs, letters, interviews, novels, songs, and works of art---as well as overview information that places each document in context. Search tip: Use the left-hand search once again; Primary sources are great pieces of evidence to support claims that you make for your renewable energy source. |
Gale Encyclopedia of Science (2014)
Find introductory definitions and explanations in this up-to-date encyclopedic science text. |
Pollution A - Z (2004)
Information on pollution issues, including sources of pollution, disposal, remediation and the ethical, social and legal environment. |
Recommended Websites
International Energy Agency
Learn about the global renewable energy initiatives of the International Energy Agency. Written from a highly technical viewpoint, so make sure to take notes in more understandable, common language. Access free publications published by the IEA including recent research and statistical information in the form of multi-page overviews, fliers and full studies and analyses. (Tip: Use Ctrl+F to view publications for your renewable energy source only) |
Natural Resources Defense Council
Find information from a renewable energy nonprofit organization about what renewable energy is, where the resources are and where the energy comes from. Use the heading "Where does renewable energy come from?" to begin exploring some examples, advantages and the potential future of your topic. |
Union of Concerned Scientists: Science for a Healthy World and Safer Planet
Browse the renewable energy page for definitions, descriptions and future impacts of the energy source in action. Use the right-hand column for content related to the articles you browse. |
US Department of Energy: Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy
Use the Efficiency tab to learn more about government action plans such as the Federal Energy Management Plan (FEMP) whose goal is to "accomplish energy change within organizations." The Renewables tab provides news and recent findings related to each renewable resources. |
US Energy Information Administration
Website hosted by the organization that develops government reports, statistics and analyses. Explore the Sources & Uses tab to find up-to-date data and monthly reports regarding renewable energy consumption and trends, many in the form of highly visual charts. Use the Data subpage to explore data related to only your topic. To start more basic, check out the education page for students. |
Books
Books from the Learning Commons about renewable energy sources are available for students to browse, read and make copies from in Ms. Roy's room during science class. To browse the catalog for specific subjects and titles or to find out the book's ISBN for citing, follow this link.
Research Tips
Tips for searching the web:
Tips for gathering information:
Tips for EasyBib citations:
If you need additional support, see Ms. McCall during D.A. or after school as needed.
- Use Google Advanced Search to develop more specific searches that meet your needs.
- Consider the following:
- Who - Who wrote it? Is he/she affiliated with an organization/company? What is their motive for writing this article?
- When - When was it written? Is it the most recent development on this topic? Can you find more up-to-date information?
- What - Is the article content relevant? Does the information support your ideas? Is it important? Is it necessary? Why?
Tips for gathering information:
- Actively read by highlighting, circling and writing notes in the margins (of copied pages!)
- Take notes in your own words, and use everyday language that's easier for you to understand than the language in the article; add your own input in between the author's ideas
- Organize notes into topics by color coding or use an outline or columns to keep notes of the same subject together
Tips for EasyBib citations:
- Select the right format - if you don't see it, use All 59 Options to find the appropriate format (listed A-Z).
- Don't assume the EasyBib information is correct, review it and make any needed changes or additions.
- Make sure you cite each source that provided you with useful information - books, websites, videos - everything!
If you need additional support, see Ms. McCall during D.A. or after school as needed.