Tools for Research
< Library
Project and time management
8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time
Tips on time management
Smartsheet's Gantt Chart Template
A timeline in spreadsheet format that helps monitor the progress of a medium-scale (individual/group) project.
It is a free application that requires no installation. Users need to sign in to use the application.
Watch video 1 and/or video 2 for an overview.
A writing process organizer
Collaboration with group members
It allows members within a group to create and share documents online.
CSS students and staff may access Google Docs through the school webmail
It is a real-time online whiteboard where group members can draw on it, share text, files, and to talk verbally to group members.
It is, however, not designed to EDIT a document or spreadsheet, like Google Docs. Twiddla is "free for educational uses".
Information retrieval
Tips on searching information from web engines / online databases
Skills in Accessing, Finding & Reviewing Information (Safari)
It is a website developed by The Open University (UK) which covers seven sections on information skills.
Visit the websites on the left according to your needs
A 6:45 min Youtube video introduces CRAP test to evaluate web resources.
Tools for data collection:
is a free application with basic functions to create a survey online. A user manual is available here.
offers free survey tool online for personal use with limited functions. An online sample is available here.
is a free application to run a survey online and to organize data in the Google worksheet.
To view a video clip of how to use Google Form, please click here.
CSS students and staff may access Google Form through the school webmail.
Organization of information & data
A set of slideshows online to explore the needs and ways of organising information.
It is originated from "Skills in Accessing, Finding & Reviewing Information (Safari)", a website developed by The Open University (UK).
ZoteroIt
is a Firefox extension/application to manage bibliographic data. Free for download at its site.
Check here (in English) / here (in Chinese) to see how it works. For technical help on using Zotero, please check here.
It provides templates to generate mind maps, charts, and diagrams.
Free for download at its site for a 30-day trial.
It is a research tool that helps organize information. Registration is required.
References available in the CSS library; (search with Subject Keywords such as analysis, statistical, mind mapping, information... etc from Non-fiction collection)
Referencing and citation
The basics of APA style
It is an introduction of APA style in slideshow, with voice over.
APA, the 6th edition
It is an introduction of the most current edition of APA style in slideshow, with voice over.
Documenting Sources in APA Style: 2010 Update
A guideline of the 6th edition of APA style in PDF format. It focuses on documentation style.
A web tool that generates reference styles (APA, Chicago, MLA) for a variety of information type (Artwork, books, interviews, lectures notes, websites, ... etc.).
Note: Users hold the sole responsibility to double check the correctness of the reference style generated by the free web tools.
CSS library
APA style guide for Senior School
APA style guide for Middle School
APA style guide for Social Media
Samples and information on major essays
MYP Projects
Introduces the MYP Community Project and Personal Project.
Samples of Personal Project in hard copies are located in CSS library. Please ask librarians for assistance.
TOK Essay
Sample TOK essays with comments and scores
Samples of TOK essays with comments
DP Extended Essay
Assessment Principles and Pracitce
Explanations of how IB assess Extended Essays and TOK essays.
Samples of EE in hard copies are located in the CSS Library. Please ask librarians for assistance.
Independent Enquiry Study
Samples of Independent Enquiry Study with marks and comments