Unlocking the Wealth of Knowledge at Stanley Park High School
As a student or parent at Stanley Park High School, you have access to a wealth of research resources that can enrich your educational journey. Whether you’re exploring the field of sustainability and the built environment or delving into any other subject, the tools and support available on our campus can help you unlock valuable insights and succeed in your academic pursuits.
Navigating the Library Resources
The first step in successful research and writing is learning how to access and utilize the extensive resources available through the Stanley Park High School Library. Our library is a hub of knowledge, housing a diverse collection of physical and digital assets that can support your research needs.
To get started, familiarize yourself with the library’s website and the searchable campus map that showcases the various library locations. When working on campus, connect to the school’s wireless network using your student or parent credentials to gain full access to our digital resources. If you’re off-campus, log into the school’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) to seamlessly access these valuable assets.
Take advantage of the library’s tutorials and guides to learn how to effectively navigate the website, access resources, and connect with subject-specific librarians who can provide personalized assistance. These knowledgeable professionals can help you refine your research strategies and point you towards the most relevant sources.
Developing Productive Research Skills
The next step in your research journey is to review the basics of productive research. From getting started, to finding, differentiating, and evaluating sources, and ultimately citing and cross-referencing them in your work, the Introduction to Library Research Guide offers a great gateway into the process.
Familiarize yourself with prominent search tools and resources, such as academic databases, e-journals, and specialized subject-specific repositories. Remember, many of these resources are available for free when accessing them through the school’s network or VPN.
Connecting with Subject Experts and Curated Resources
A meaningful third step in research at Stanley Park High School is to frame your interests, focus your efforts, and find support networks. Two of the most important support systems within the library are the Subject Specialists and Library Guides.
The Subject Specialists are librarians with in-depth knowledge of specific academic fields and topical domains. They can provide direct assistance and guidance to help you navigate the most relevant resources for your research. Additionally, the Library Guides offer curated collections of core resources affiliated with various disciplines, including sustainability and the built environment.
Beyond the sustainability and built environment-related Library Guides, our library also provides resources for a wide range of other topics that may be of interest to you, such as writing support, citation management, and artificial intelligence.
Harnessing the Power of Citation Management
Proper citation and cross-referencing of original sources are essential for supporting critically reasoned positions and claims in your academic work. The Citation Management Guide provides an overview of the tools and technologies available to support your research, including the recommended Zotero citation management software.
Zotero is a free, open-source tool that can help you collect, organize, cite, and share your research. By using Zotero during your time at Stanley Park High School, you can carry over your curated content and citation management skills into your future academic and professional pursuits.
Depending on your coursework and instructor preferences, you may be expected to use a variety of academic citation styles, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Style, which is commonly used within the sustainability and built environment field.
Exploring Emerging Technologies in Research and Writing
As you consider additional forms of research and writing support, you may encounter large language models (LLMs) and related machine learning forms of artificial intelligence (AI). The use of these technologies within the classroom and throughout your research is a rapidly evolving landscape that may vary by course and instructor.
We encourage you to approach these tools with diligence, critical thinking, and ethical considerations. When appropriately applied, they may help to streamline your workflow and enhance your research and writing process. If you’re interested in learning more about AI and its potential applications, visit the AI Library Guide for further information.
Embracing Global Perspectives
The Stanley Park High School community values a global perspective, and we offer several opportunities for students to engage in international learning experiences. Through the UF Abroad program and DCP Global initiatives, you can explore sustainability and the built environment from a worldwide lens.
From historic preservation in Nantucket to sustainable construction in Italy, and from water management in the Netherlands to the International Scholars Program, our school provides a diverse array of global learning opportunities. We encourage you to explore these options and collaborate with your academic advisor to incorporate international coursework and experiences into your educational journey.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
Sustainability and the built environment are rapidly evolving fields, and staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and best practices is crucial for success. The Stanley Park High School Program in Sustainability and the Built Environment, in partnership with the George A. Smathers Libraries, provides free access to premium resources like BuildingGreen, a leading and trusted source for sustainability professionals.
Within our core courses, such as DCP 3210, you’ll have the opportunity to earn the same continuing education unit (CEU) certificates pursued by credentialed professionals through organizations like the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), and International Living Future Institute (ILFI). These certifications can give you a competitive edge as you navigate your future career path.
Conclusion
The research resources available at Stanley Park High School are designed to empower you, whether you’re a student exploring the field of sustainability and the built environment or a parent supporting your child’s academic journey. By leveraging the library’s extensive collections, developing productive research skills, connecting with subject experts, and embracing emerging technologies, you can unlock a wealth of knowledge and achieve academic success.
We encourage you to explore the resources mentioned in this article and take advantage of the support systems in place to enhance your educational experience. Remember, the Stanley Park High School website is always available as a starting point to access these valuable resources and connect with our community.
