One of the most important things for a student to do is recognize the people and resources that could be used in developing and conducting the project.
Before using a source, ask yourself:
Is it current? What is the copyright date of the book, or when was the web site last updated?
Is the author an authority? Is the book written by a person with the credentials to write it, or is the web site authored by a scientist? Sites ending in “.gov” are government sites and are usually reliable. Sites ending in “.edu” are college/university sites and usually are authored by a person with the necessary background. If you are at “Bob’s Physics Site”, you better find out who Bob is?
Is the information accurate? If you cannot find the information also cited somewhere else, then don’t use it?
Is the information objective? Or is the author trying to sell something or writing to persuade. Science is unbiased.
If the source does not pass these tests, don’t use it.
Remember, for each book you use, record author’s full name, title of book, place of publication, publisher, copyright year, and pages. For each magazine you use, record title, author, magazine name, date, and pages. Record the URL, title, and author for each internet site used and don't forget to name the people who offered knowledge or helped..
