Welcome to your Pacific Northwest History Project!

We will be discussing lots of ways to gather information on topics in history and focusing on some great research strategies. Review the information below when you have questions or if you get stuck.

Project Handouts and Resources

7th Grade History Moodle (check here for updates on the final project... for research information look below)

Parent Letter with Project Overview

Topic Choices

Topic Choice Worksheet

Research Due Dates

Research Plan Worksheet

Tips and Information about visiting the Northwest Room and a museum

General Bibliography Directions and Annotated Bibliography Sample with reminders

Research and Annotated Bibliography Grading Rubric

 

Skip down the page to:

Research Strategies, Print Resources, Databases, Internet Resources, Museums

Research Strategies

  1. Be Diverse
    • Look for and use QUALITY resources from a variety of sources, perspectives and time periods.
      • Use Databases
        • Remember that each database may require different search techniques. If one doesn't work for you, try another.
      • Use Primary Sources
      • Go to the library
        • Our library has a number of resources on the Pacific Northwest. The Tacoma Public Library has incredible resources at the Northwest Room and your own local library may have great sources of information.
  2. Be Flexible
    • Spend time exploring your topic before you settle on a specific area of research. What you think you might want to do may be really difficult to research and you might discover you're really interested in something else.
    • Use different keyword terms when searching
      • Keep a list of words that "work" and those that don't
      • Combine different terms to gather more resources. Remember that authors may refer to the same event, person or object using different terms.
    • Don't get stuck! (or if you do, get unstuck quick)
      • If you are frustrated with one resource or can't find what you want, ASK FOR HELP and/or Use your research plan!
      • If you can't get help right away, try other resources, such as those listed below.
      • You might need to BROADEN or NARROW your topic. If you get too specific, you might find that resources are hard to locate. If your topic is too broad, you might be overwhelmed with resources and be unable to focus on what you really need.
  3. Be Deep

Finding Print Resources

1. Check the BOOK CART in the lab for books on your topic OR search the library catalog.

2. Browse the SHELVES

Database Resources

1. Use the HISTORY RESOURCE CENTER

2. You may also want to try Britannica Online and eLibrary. They may have background information or current news that will help you understand your topic.

3. For historic images, try the AP (Associated Press) Images Database with images from 1820 to the present.

Select Internet Sites

Below you will find some internet resources to use in your Pacific Northwest History research project. These resources are absolutely wonderful. All have lists of web sites in various categories. Most of the topics that you have chosen are represented in one or more of the sites. All of the resources are published by trusted, respected sources (such as universities and historical societies).

NOTE: Use these resources FIRST. If you think you need to use the search the internet, check with Ms. Harris or Ms. Petrich before you begin.

Historylink.org is "the online encyclopedia of Washington State history." Every topic you can think of is represented here. You will use this resource to explore topics before you choose your top three and you will use it when you begin research on the topic you have been assigned.

The Northwest History Database is loaded with newspaper clippings from the early 20th century. The clippings were collected during the 1930s and have recently been made available to you online.

Tacoma Past and Present We will be visiting the Northwest Room at the Tacoma Public Library Main branch. Check out this site to gather information before you go and to explore the many important resources on Pacific Northwest History you can access online.

Pacific Northwest History This site is from the University of Washington libraries and contains a smorgasbord of information relating to Pacific Northwest History. GO HERE before you search using the internet and see if the great librarians at U-DUB have already done your homework for you.

Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest This site is also from the University of Washington, but is organized by the Center for the Study of the Pacific Northwest. There are some equally scrumptious resources here, but you might need to do a little exploring. Check out the “Resources” section and then go to “Curriculum Materials” where you can download whole packets of information on different topics and also check out the “Annotated Resources” section which has a bunch of sites on topics not covered on the library page.

Pacific Northwest This site is from Seattle Pacific University Library and also contains links to sites focusing on Pacific Northwest History. This information is great – check it out!

Museums

Museums are amazing sources of information on historical topics. You might also find that exploring a museum exhibit can help make history come alive! Below is a list of local museums that have exhibits on one or more topics you might be researching.

Also, check out this list of museums throughout Washington State. NOTE: even if a web address isn't listed, use Google to search for the museum and you may find a web address.