In an age where information is almost infinitely available online, skills in sifting through for the most relevant, up to date and accurate material is essential for teachers and students alike. Online tools such as search engines and library databases have opened a wealth of knowledge, imperative for science teachers and students alike, which makes distinguishing between credible sources and unreliable ones all the more important (Linn, 2003). For science teachers especially, forming a solid basis in these research practices on their own can directly translate to better practices within their students.

Research isn't just about performing a google search or finding an article or webpage that supports an idea, theory or hypothesis. Tools like google scholar or open-access journals provide peer reviewed documentation that can be relied upon with much greater certainty than a website anyone can publish. Introducing students to these resources and using them to form part of your practice as an educator exemplifies the importance of evidence-based information, forming the backbone of scientific enquiry.

Critical evaluation forms an essential component in students and teacher determining the credibility, accuracy and relevance of given information that they find, essential for scientific investigation. Further to this, the process of critically evaluating information has often been touted by philosophers as an essential component of responsible democratic citizens, further increasing the importance of developing this skill in our students, both for the science classroom and the world beyond.

Encourage your students to dive into research, to not believe everything they read, to use their skills, intuition and knowledge to critically evaluate information they come across, encourage them to share, discuss and debate with peers, backing up their points of view with these evaluated resources. Below are several links to information and resources that aid both teachers and students in forming these skills.