Step 1:TASK DEFINITION

• What is my task?
• What is the problem I need to solve, or question I need to answer?
• What do I already know about my question or problem.
• What do I need to know to solve the problem or answer the question?

• Graphic organizers - topic triangle, KWL chart

• What types of information do I need? facts, opinions, pictures, primary sources?

• Brainstorming

Step 2: INFORMATION-SEEKING STRATEGIES

• What are all the possible sources for finding this information?

• Graphic organizer - brainstorming
• Information pathfinders
• posters in library
• keywords

• Whichof the possible sources are best for me to use?

• Index and table of contents
• Web site evaluation form

Step 3: LOCATION and ACCESS

• Where will I find these sources?
• Who can help me find the sources?

• classroom
• school library
• public library
• community
• Internet

• What do I need to use to access this information?

• Library Online Catalog (OPAC)
• Internet Browser
• Telephone or other equipment

Step 4: USE of INFORMATION

• How will I record the information that I find? (take notes? draw pictures? use an audio or video recorder?)

• graphic organizers
• trash and treasure
• Notebook or note cards

• What information in each source is useful.
• How will I give credit to my sources? (bibliography? notes at end of presentation?)

• "Keeping Track of Sources" sheet
• "Citing Sources" on Library Webpage
• Writer's Express page

Step 5: SYNTHESIS

• How can I organize the information?

• Graphic organizers
• Outling skills
• Inspiration software

• How can I present the results?
• What product or performance should I use? (written report, multimedia presentation, art project?)

• Student Product Possibilities
• Multimedia equipment

Step 6: EVALUATION

• Did I complete the task?
• Did I do my best work?

• Rubric

Big6™ Skills Approach was developed by Eisenberg and Berkowitz. The phrases "Big6 Skills" and "Big6 Skills Curriculum" are all copyrights of Michael B. Eisenberg and Robert E. Berkowitz.