January 2, 2018 • Page 4 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Youth Research: Where to Begin By Christine Wood SDSU Extension 4-H Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Field Specialist Whether working on a science fair project, writing a class report, or just looking for general information on a topic it is a good idea to become familiar with the basic practices of conducting research. Topic Identification To get the most out of a research project, it is important that the researcher has an interest in the topic and/or finds it relevant to his/ her life. In addition to identifying the topic, a list of key words and phrases related to the topic should also be developed. Research Plan A research plan outlines what questions need to be addressed as information related to the topic is gathered. A concept map or a list with the various questions to address can serve as the plan. Consider developing questions around these ‘question words’: what/who, when, where, how, why, which, and does. For more information on developing a research plan look at Science Buddies’ Science Fair Project Background Research Plan page. Reference Credibility A variety of considerations should be taken when choosing sources of information for research. Ideally references should: • Come from a trustworthy source. A trustworthy source is one that is unbiased and provides information that can be backed by evidence. Most books and journals can be considered credible; however, be sure to check to ensure the publisher and funders are ones that can be trusted to provide unbiased information. Web sites and information found online can be harder to assess. Be sure to look closely at the web address, the author, and citations that they provide. • Not be ‘too old’. It is important that the information being gathered is timely. The definition of timely is fluid and based on the field of study at hand. Some fields are changing so fast that information gathered a few months ago becomes dated quickly and may no longer be relevant today; while in another field, information from five years or more is still applicable. If there is a question about a source being dated, look to see if a more recent piece of literature exists. • Cite sources of information. A credible source of information will provide citations for the ideas and concepts that are being presented. In addition to providing credibility to the information, the presence of citations show the author is a responsible scholar. Scholars have a responsibility to acknowledge the information and ideas that are based upon another scholar’s work. For more information on assessing the credibility of references take a look at this Step-by-Step Guide & Research Rescue: Evaluating Credibility by BYU Library. Reference Citation It is important that as research is conducted that ALL sources are tracked. A bibliography should be developed with the source information. The format of this bibliography is dependent on the project requirements, so be sure to look into what type of format (APA, MLA, or other) is needed. For information on the various citation formats, visit the SDSU Hilton M. Briggs Library’s Cite Your Sources page. Retention Rate Strong At State Technical Institutes; New Programs Added PIERRE, S.D. – The retention rate at South Dakota’s four technical institutes is 78 percent, an all-time high. Since 2012, the retention rate has increased four percent. The state Board of Technical Education heard a report on the retention rates at its meeting earlier today. “Students and staff at our state’s technical institutes should be proud of this retention rate,” said Nick Wendell, executive director of the Board of Technical Education. “The students behind these numbers represent a growing workforce, trained with the skills and credentials South Dakota employers need.” Southeast Technical Institute received board approval of a one-year veterinary assistant diploma and a two-year associate of applied science veterinary technician degree starting in fall 2018. Veterinary assistants help in evaluation and Let Our Family Business Keep Yours In The Go With: • Farm Filters • Hydraulic Hoses • Bearings & Seals Cox Auto 1007 Broadway Ave Yankton, SD 605•665•4494 treatment of basic health, injuries and/or illness of large and small animals. They also provide office support and customer service, typically working in animal hospitals, clinics or other animal facilities. In addition to the duties of veterinary assistants, veterinary technicians can perform medical tests under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian to assist in diagnosing animal injuries and illnesses. They can also provide support to biomedical researchers and other scientists. Veterinary technicians can work in agricultural production settings, labs, research facilities, animal hospitals and clinics. The board also approved an expansion of Lake Area Technical Participating Businesses Are… J&H Cleaning Services YANKTON WORKS Want your REAL-TIME MESSAGE on the most visited media website in the Yankton area? Join our ‘Friends2Follow’ program! Contact your Yankton Media Representative today! 605-665-7811 Institute’s agricultural aviation program into a standalone associate of applied science aviation program with three options: agricultural aviation, professional helicopter pilot and professional fixed-wing pilot. The expanded offerings would be available beginning in summer 2018. The new degree options are designed for students interested in a career in the commercial pilot industry. State Park Fee Changes Go Into Effect Jan. 1 PIERRE, S.D. – Changes to state park campground classifications, as well as some entrance and facility fees will go into effect Jan. 1. State Park director Katie Ceroll said the changes reflect the increased demand for and use of the state’s campgrounds and facilities. The department reviewed campground occupancy rates, which are used to determine the classification of the campgrounds and the per night fees charged. Camping fees for each of the classifications will not change, but fees at several parks will see a modest increase as they are moved into the correct category. The following campground classifications include: • Basic campgrounds: Campgrounds without modern facilities. $11 nightly per non-electric site; $15 nightly per electric site. Includes 5 campgrounds. • Modern campgrounds: Less than 80% weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $13 nightly per non-electric site; $17 nightly per electric site. Includes 7 campgrounds. • Preferred campgrounds: 80-89% weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $15 nightly per non-electric site; $19 nightly per electric site. Includes 6 campgrounds. • Prime campgrounds: 90% or higher weekend occupancy during the summer; feature restrooms and showers. $17 nightly per non-electric site; $21 nightly per electric site. Includes 31 campgrounds. Other fee changes include: • Elimination of the per person daily entrance license. The $6 per vehicle daily entrance license remains unchanged. • Camping cabin fee increase to $45 in all parks except Custer, which will remain $50 per night. • Campsites in French Creek Horse Camp in Custer State Park increase to $31 per night. • Increase in some group lodging fees: Mina Lake and Shadehill to $205 a night; and Lake Thompson, Palisades, Sheps Canyon, and Newton Hills to $280 a night. • Fort Sisseton South Barracks rental will increase to $500. • Lewis and Clark catamaran dry slip summer storage will increase to $325. • The Angostura catamaran dry slip summer storage will increase to $175. For the most up-to-date information about each state park, visit gfp.sd.gov. Average Gas Prices Jump 7 Cents Average retail gasoline prices in South Dakota have risen seven cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.42/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey Dec. 26 of 628 gas outlets in South Dakota. This compares with the national average that has increased one cent per gallon in the last week to $2.43/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com. Including the change in gas prices in South Dakota during the past week, prices yesterday were 22.0 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 3.3 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 6.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 14.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago. According to GasBuddy historical data, gasoline The right job prices on Dec. 26 in South Dakota have ranged widely over the last five years: $2.20/g in 2016, $1.92/g in 2015, is just one $2.20/g in 2014, $3.08/g in 2013 and $3.17/g in 2012. click away. Areas near South Dakota and their current gas price www.missourivalleyshopper.com climate: In Print and Online! Sioux Falls -- $2.35/g, down 2.0 cents per gallon from Call 665-5884 last week's $2.37/g. North Dakota -- $2.45/g, down 3.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.48/g. Nebraska-- $2.41/g, up 3.0 cents per gallon from last week's $2.38/g. "The Great Lakes has seen a flurry of gas price increases over the last week as several refinery issues have surfaces, pulling the national average up nearly single-handedly," said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy. "Without such illtimed disruptions, we'd see a plentiful portion of falling pump prices, but now, the bitter taste of rising prices during the holiday lingers for many. But with the New Year set to roll in accompanied by a strong cold front, I'd expect gasoline demand to weaken, thus softening the outlook for gas prices in the weeks ahead and eventually delivering lower gas prices. Offering a brief January 4 glimpse into 2018: motor1-4pm ists won't be loving what they see, but the devil's in the details." GasBuddy will The sale site is located at Julian Hall, room be releasing its Annual Fuel 131 located on the southwest corner of Outlook for 2018 on Jan. 3. campus. Parking is available in lot 8, next to For LIVE fuel price averages, visit http://FuelInAkeley Science Center located on Dakota sights.GasBuddy.com. Street. Signs will be posted with directions to Julian Hall. Entrance to Julian Hall is located on the east side of the building. Custodial Cleaning Supplies Surplus Sale Interested in this spot? Terms of the sale are cash only. Questions may be directed to USD Auxiliary Services at 605-677-5669 or 605-677-6623. INTERESTED Call 665-5884 to place your ad here. www.miss Call 665-5884 t