'Finding Out' & 'How Stuff Works'

[Phil Wheeler]

Eisenberg and Berkowitz, in their book "The BIG 6 in Secondary Schools", present a 6-step process model for solving an information problem. We would call this information literacy.
The “Big6™” is copyright © (1987) Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz. For more information, visit: www.big6.com

Their 6 steps are: -

1. Task Definition
2. Information Seeking Strategies
3. Location & Access
4. Use of Information
5. Synthesis
6. Evaluation

One of the most poignant examples they provide under "Information Seeking Strategies" is that "students demonstrate the ability to select sources that are suitable to meet the information need (e.g., current, authoritative, understandable, useful, available)." Here are three sites that should always meet these criteria.

How Stuff Works is one of the best reference and resource sites out there for both school students and adults. It can satisfy the curiosity of a whole range of intelligences, but for the logical-mathematical, who have the desire to understand cause-and-effect, it's full of wonderful scientific and mathematical information. The site uses multimedia to great effect, with plenty of text, audio, images, video and animations to engage all learning styles.

SmartHouse is an australian website full of useful and accurate technical information related to living and lifestyles. The site also includes a great 'How Stuff Works' section. Sites like these help learners connect their learning to the world they live in - the high-tech, gadget-filled world. And for the oldies, they can even find tips on how to keep listening to their vinyl long after turntables and needles are forgotten.

The BBC has one of the best reference websites currently available for young people. Part of its website is dedicated to learning. Click on the link to take a look.

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[Ann]

Useful links provided here and the stuff on how to convert my LP collection to CD's was useful....now I just need some time to get it all together. :)

[James Whittle]

How stuff works has changed a lot since I last saw it a few years ago. A great resources especially for science