Research Paper Organizer

Fill out Big6 #1-5 before you begin to work on your assignment.

Fill out Big6 #6 before you turn in your assignment.

You will need to print this form before exiting the page.

Big6 #1 Task Definition

Determine a purpose and need for information—What am I supposed to do?

What information do I need in order to do this? (Consider listing in question form.)
You will most likely find interesting additional information as you use the resources. List below information that you feel you need to know at this time.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Big6 #2 Information Seeking Strategies
Examine alternative approaches to acquiring information. List the best sources to find this information. Don’t forget traditional print and human sources as appropriate.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

If using web sites, who will evaluate them for relevancy, accuracy, and authority?
	I will use only those evaluated by and provided by my teachers or librarian, including School Databases to which the school subscribes
	I will find free web sites and use a web site evaluation guide for each that I use in my project

Big6 #3 Location & Access
Locate sources and access the information within them—Where will I locate these sources?
	School library and School Databases
	Public or University library
	Personal library
	Provided by my teachers
	Internet
	Other:

If using a search engine list likely key words.

Big6 #4 Use of Information
Use a source to gain information—How will I record the information that I find?
	Take notes using cards or electronic note cards
	Take notes on notebook paper
	Take notes using a word processor (Microsoft Word form)
	Illustrate concepts
	Use a tape recorder, video, or digital camera
	Other:

How will I give credit to my sources?
	Use the Quick Guide or for information on citing sources and on using footnotes and preparing a Works Cited or Bibliography page
	Go straight to Citation Machine

Big6 #5 Synthesis
Integrate information from a variety of sources—How will I show my results?
	Written paper
	Oral presentation Click for Presentation Guidelines
	Multimedia presentation
	Performance
	Other:

How will I give credit to my sources in my final product or performance?
	Include a written bibliography
	After the performance or presentation, announce which sources I used
	Other:

Materials I will need for my presentation or performance (list, separating by commas)

How much time do I estimate it will take to find the information and create the product?

2-3 hours 4-5 hours 5-6 hours 7-8 hours 9-10 hours more than 10 hours

Timeline for assignment
Ideas for project (task definition) completed by:
Information searching (note taking) completed by:
First draft due:
Completed assignment due:
Include here any additional information needed to successfully complete the assignment:

Big6 #6 Evaluation
Before turning in my assignment, I need to check off all of these items (on the printed Organizer):
	What I created to finish the assignment is appropriate for what I was supposed do in Big6 #1
	The information I found in Big6 #4 matches the information needed in Big6 #1
	Credit is given to my sources, written in standard citation format
	I am in compliance of copyright laws and fair use guidelines
	My work is neat
	My work is complete and includes heading information (name, date, etc.)
	I would be proud for anyone to view this work

Big6™ copyright 1990, Michael Eisenberg and Robert Berkowitz. Big6™ Assignment Organizer copyright 1995, Barbara A. Jansen. Links and graphics used with permission. Used and modified with permission from Barbara A. Jansen – Permission given on March 12, 2009

Big6 Organizer