Plan, Search, Communicate!

Question

Required Materials
Word processing software
The internet and web have allowed us to look up information and communicate in new ways. But with so much information right at our fingertips, how can we sort through it and make sure that we find what we need? That’s where a research plan comes into play! A research plan can help us organize a topic that we want to research by guiding our internet search.

Search Strategies
But before we make a research plan, let’s go over some common search strategies that will help us use search engines like Google, Bing, or DuckDuckGo more effectively:

Don’t use unnecessary words—keep it simple. The search engine only searches for keywords and ignores the rest.
Instead of “What time is it in Australia?” search “time in Australia.”

Spelling doesn’t matter, as long as you’re close.
If you type “Matthew McConahee,” the search engine will figure out that you mean “Matthew McConaughey.”

Use quotes to search for exact words.
Searching for white kitten sweaters will return different results than putting quotes around “white kitten sweaters.” The search engine will only return websites with those words in that exact order.

Use Boolean operators like AND, OR, and NOT.
Boolean Operators
Use Example
AND Combines two or more search criteria. (Google uses AND by default, so you don’t need to type it in a search.) spaghetti AND meatballs

(will return results with both words)
OR Returns one search criteria or another spaghetti OR meatballs

(will return results with either of those words)
NOT Excludes certain words from the search spaghetti NOT meatballs

(will exclude results that have “meatball” in them)
Research Plan
And now back to making a research plan! Here are the steps we’ll use:

Identify a topic to research. Make sure it’s not too narrow or broad. Instead of “How many movies has Will Smith starred in?” try “How have Will Smith’s movies impacted society?”
List several questions related to the topic that you will search for. For example,
“What are the popular themes in Will Smith’s movies?”
“How does Will Smith decide what movies to act in?”
“How have Will Smith’s movies been received by audiences?”
“What are Will Smith’s most watched movies and why?”
Identify your sources. List the links to the sources you find, making sure the sources are credible and accurate.
Describe your format. How will you present the information? Will it be in a recorded speech? A written paper? A PowerPoint presentation?
Once you’ve finished your research, it’s time to present your findings! Always make sure to cite the sources you’ve used by including a separate page, presentation slide, or verbal acknowledgement of the sources.

Your Turn!
Step 1: Make a Plan
Create a research plan in a word processing document. Be sure to include all of the steps we talked about above.

Step 2: List Your Searches
In addition to your research plan, include at least three specific searches that you typed into Google, Bing, or another search engine of your choosing.

Step 3: Write and Send
Write a paragraph about your topic and send it to a friend or family member using a form of online communication. You might choose an email, instant message, social media post, or another format. Make sure your paragraph is professional and does not include spelling or grammar mistakes.

Step 4: Save a Screenshot
Take a screenshot of your online communication and paste it into your word processing document. Submit your document using this unit’s dropbox.

Activity 1 Grading Rubric
Research Plan Online Communication
Full Credit Research plan is completed to the highest standard. Topic is appropriate and sources are credible. Paragraph is professional and is sent to someone via an acceptable online method. No spelling or grammar mistakes are present.
Partial Credit Research plan may be missing several pieces. Topic may be too broad or narrow, and sources may not all be credible. Paragraph may be weak with several spelling or grammar mistakes. Screenshot of online communication is included.
Little Credit Research plan is barely completed and is very weak. Topic is not appropriate and sources are not credible or are not listed. Paragraph is very poorly written or not included. No proof of online communication is included.

Answer 1

Research Plan

Step 1: Identify a Topic to Research Topic: The Impact of Will Smith's Movies on Society

Step 2: List Several Questions Related to the Topic

1. What are the popular themes in Will Smith’s movies?
2. How does Will Smith decide what movies to act in?
3. How have Will Smith’s movies been received by audiences?
4. What are Will Smith’s most watched movies and why?

Step 3: Identify Your Sources

1. Will Smith's Movies and Their Themes
2. Audience Reception of Will Smith’s Films
3. Will Smith: A Look at His Film Choices
4. Most Watched Movies of Will Smith

Step 4: Describe Your Format I will present the information in a written paper that includes an introduction, research findings, and a conclusion. Additionally, I will create a separate reference page for sources.

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Step 2: List Your Searches

1. "Will Smith movies themes"
2. "How does Will Smith choose his movies?"
3. "Reactions to Will Smith movies"

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Step 3: Write and Send

Paragraph:

Hi [Friend's Name],

I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my research on the impact of Will Smith's movies on society. Will Smith has played a significant role in modern cinema, and his films often explore themes like resilience, family, and equality. For example, in films such as "The Pursuit of Happyness," he portrays a father overcoming adversity, which resonates with many audiences. Additionally, his choices in roles reflect his commitment to challenging societal norms and inspiring positive change. Overall, Will Smith's work continues to leave a lasting impression on viewers and the film industry. If you're interested, I can share my findings with you in more detail!

Best,
[Your Name]

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Step 4: Save a Screenshot

[Attach screenshot of the sent communication here.]

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Submission Instructions

Save the document with your research plan, list of searches, and screenshot of online communication. Submit it as directed in this unit's dropbox.