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Step 5: Sift, Sort

In this step, students organize the information they have gathered by discarding irrelevant information, aligning relevant information to their thesis or essential and subsidiary questions, addressing incongruence, grouping similar information and identifying any need for additional research in order to support all aspects of their topic, question or information need.

Cognitive Skill Levels	Disregard irrelevant information : Comparison/Contrast
	Align relevant information to questions : Comparison/Contrast
	Group Similar Information : Classification
	Address incongruence : Precision / Logic
Indicators Addressed	Social Studies	6.0.D.2 Engage in field work that relates to the topic/ situation/ problem being studied	6.0.D.2.a Engage in field work that relates to the topic/ situation/ problem being studied by gathering data.
			6.0.D.2.b Engage in field work that relates to the topic/ situation/ problem being studied by making and recording observations.
			6.0.D.2.C Engage in field work that relates to the topic/ situation/ problem being studied by designing and conducting surveys and oral histories.
		6.0.E.1 Organize information from non-print sources.	6.0.E.1.A Organize information gathered by prioritizing information gathered according to importance and relevance.
			6.0.E.1.B Organize information from non-print sources by distinguishing factual from fictional information.
			6.0.E.1.C Organize information from non-print sources by finding relationships among gathered information.
			6.0.E.1.D Organize information from non-print sources by displaying information on various types of graphic organizers, maps, and charts.
		6.0.E.2 Organize information from print sources	6.0.E.2.A Organize information gathered by prioritizing information gathered according to importance and relevance.
			6.0.E.2.B Organize information gathered by determining the bias and reliability of a source.
			6.0.E.2.C Organize information gathered by finding relationships among gathered information.
			6.0.E.2.D Organize information gathered by constructing various types of graphic organizers, maps, and charts to display information.
		6.0.B.2 Use formal writing to inform	6.0.B.2.D Use formal writing to informite sources when paraphrasing, summarizing, and quoting
	Skills for Success	Communication Skills 3.2 The student will acquire, manage, and convey information, using a variety of strategies and technologies.	3.2.A.d The student will organize and maintain information in appropriate written, graphic, electronic, or other form.
	*Library Media*	3.1 Record pertinent information.	3.1.8 Use note-taking strategies, summarizing and paraphrasing to capture and restate pertinent.
			3.1.9 Select the most appropriate note-taking strategy, restate all pertinent information and document all sources using an accepted style manual.
		3.2 Organize information to achieve clarity.	3.2.6 Use effective organizational techniques to clarify and analyze information.
			3.2.9 Use a variety of effective techniques to clarify, analyze and unify information.
		4.3 Respect intellectual property rights.	*4.3.6* Use information responsibly by avoiding plagiarism, using correct bibliographic citation, obtaining permission when copying texts, images, or sounds, and applying "Fair Use" appropriately.
	*MD Tech Literacy for Students*	2.0 Digital Citizenship Practice ethical, legal and responsible use of technology	2.0.8.B.2.b Use electronic resources appropriately (such as paraphrasing.)
			2.0.8.B.2.c Cite electronic sources of text and digital information properly (such as MLA.)
Instructional Examples	Middle School
	High School

Use the links below to explore instructional aspects of this step in further depth:

Compare and Contrast

Identifying Similarities and Differences

Comparison and Contrast Guide
Group Similar Information

Organizing information: Examples.

Organizing and Synthesizing Information

Organizing Research Creating Notecards

To be added: Student Research Workbook.

Social Studies Research / Pre-search / Question / Plan / Gather / Sift & Sort / Synthesize / Evaluate / Produce

Related Links

Step 5: Sift, Sort