Getting Started: Looking for Background Information
Looking for background information on chemistry topics? The two databases below are good bets to find expert information.
- Gale eBooksCheck this database of online encyclopedias to learn more about your topic, including history, background statistics, and "big picture" issues.
- Encyclopedia BritannicaThe online version of the classic Encyclopedia Britannica which also includes web links, select articles, and access to Webster's Dictionary.
- ImageQuestCheck for images of scientists, chemical compounds, and other topics here. You can also find citations for the images in this database.
Recommended Websites
Looking for more detailed information, or looking for information on a topic that you're not finding in the resources above? Check the following websites to see what else they might include:
- ACS Chemical Education ResourcesFind a variety of resources on the American Chemical Society's Education portion of the website
- Nobel Prize WebsiteFind biographies and other information about the lives and work of Nobel Prize winners on the organization's official website.
- Google NewsTry searching for your terms in the news-- what is being said about biochemistry, plastics, drug development, or other topics?
Finally, if you would like to see what current magazines and newspapers might have to say about a topic in Chemistry, try searching the databases below:
- U.S. NewsstreamFind newspaper articles from around the US in this database. This database will help you to find more in-depth information about specific topics, like microplastics in Lake Michigan.
- Academic Search Ultimate This link opens in a new windowTry searching this database for magazine articles on in-depth topics.
- CQ ResearcherCQ researcher specializes in in-depth reports on a variety of popular topics. Once you open a report, make sure to use the table of contents tabs across the top of the screen to find the most helpful information.
Evaluate Websites
While you're doing Google searches to either narrow your topic or in order to dig up more information on certain subject, you want to be careful to decide if the information you find is trustworthy.
When it comes to science, nearly everyone has opinions: should we be labeling genetically modified food for consumer's awareness? What will fracking do for our economy or our groundwater supply? Your job is to evaluate the information you can find through Google and Bing to find the good websites--those written by authors you can trust, with good and up-to-date information.
Authorship: Who created this website? What is their background on the topic? Are they trustworthy?
Bias: Why was the website created? What point of view does the author have? Does that limit the facts they present or how the facts are presented?
Date: How old is the information that is presented? Is it still accurate?
Questions? Check out the COD Library's guide to evaluating information.
Cite Your Work: APA Style
Of course, as you get ideas and data from your sources, you want to be able to cite them. Keep in mind that you want to cite not only quotations, but also ideas that you get from your research.
Not sure if you are paraphrasing, plagiarizing, or patchwriting? Check out Academic Integrity by Ulrike Kestler, which has a section on all three.
Need some help putting together citations? Check out the helpful links below:
Want software to create citations for you? Check out the database below:
- NoodleTools
NoodleTools allows you to find, organize and store your research citations all in one place. Create complete Works Cited and Bibliographies with the click of a mouse, and keep notes and ideas related to your work all in one place. Available in browser and mobile app.
Create an account with your COD email to access this resource.
