The Basics of Good Research
Track your sources and correctly cite them.
Keep track of your work.
Use your student credentials to log in to district services and save your work to your school Google or Microsoft account.
Evaluate the credibility of information you find online using the SIFT method:
Stop: Before using or sharing information, pause and consider your reaction, what you already know and what you know about the source.
How am I reacting to this information or headline?
What do I already know about this topic?
What do I know about the source?
Investigate the source: Learn who created or published the information, their expertise and their purpose. Consider whether bias may affect how the information is presented.
Who created or wrote this information?
What is the purpose or mission of the source?
Could the author or source have a particular bias?
Find better coverage: Look for reliable sources that confirm, challenge or add context to the information.
Are other trustworthy sources reporting the same information?
Do reputable fact-checking sources support or challenge the claims?
Trace claims to the original source: Whenever possible, find the original research, quote, image or other source so you can evaluate it in context.
Can I find the original research, report or announcement behind the claim?
Does the original source support the way the information is being presented?
Source: SIFT method developed by Mike Caulfield. Questions adapted from TCEA’s SIFT Method resource.
Use reliable and credible resources for academic research.
Follett Destiny Discover is a good starting point for finding credible library resources.
Usernames and Passwords
Some research tools require separate usernames and passwords. Follow the access instructions for each resource below. If you need login credentials for a resource, contact your teacher or the Rampart High School library.
Do not share Rampart High School login information with anyone outside of our school.
Research Guide
Rampart High School students have access to several research tools that provide reliable, academically appropriate information for projects, essays and presentations.
Gale In Context: High School
Gale In Context: High School is an online research database designed specifically for high school students. It provides trusted, curriculum-aligned information across subjects such as history, science, literature and current issues.
To access Gale In Context: High School, log in to Schoology and open any course. Select Gale In Context: High School from the menu on the left.
Students can search for articles and other sources, save research to Google Drive or OneDrive, generate citations and translate articles into other languages.
World Book Online
World Book Online provides students with a vetted and well-organized starting point for academic research. High school students can use World Book Advanced to move beyond basic internet searches and build the background knowledge needed for more in-depth research.
To access World Book Online, log in to Schoology and open any course. Select World Book Online from the menu on the left.
ABC-CLIO
ABC-CLIO is a research resource particularly useful for Social Studies. Its databases include:
American Government
American History
Issues
World History: The Modern Era
ABC-CLIO also includes an Academic Success Corner with resources to strengthen research, reading and writing skills.
Rampart High School uses shared login information for ABC-CLIO. Do not share the login information with anyone outside of our school. Contact your teacher or the library if you need the credentials.
JSTOR
JSTOR is a research database containing scholarly and peer-reviewed journal articles across a wide range of subjects.
Rampart High School uses shared login information for JSTOR. Do not share the login information with anyone outside of our school. Contact your teacher or the library if you need the credentials.
After logging in, Rampart High School should appear at the top of the JSTOR window. If you receive an error, return to the previous page and try again.
