Internet Research

Worksheet Description

The “Internet Research” worksheet is a comprehensive guide designed to teach students how to evaluate the credibility of online information. It prompts critical thinking by asking a series of questions that students must consider while researching a chosen topic.

The worksheet requires students to provide the URL of the site they’re evaluating, the author or sponsoring organization, and other vital details such as the last update of the information, the presence of an agenda, and whether the site is free of spelling or grammar errors. These checkpoints help students discern the reliability and authority of the information they find online.

In addition to factual checks, the worksheet encourages students to assess the purpose and audience of the information, asking whether the content is meant to inform, sell, or persuade. Students are also prompted to look for signs of bias, such as the presentation of both sides of an issue, and to note the type of domain (.com, .org, .edu) to help determine the site’s purpose.

By completing this worksheet, students learn to navigate the internet more responsibly and to differentiate between credible and unreliable sources. This is a crucial skill set for conducting academic research and for becoming informed citizens in an increasingly digital world.