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Some things are difficult to research for yourself but somebody else might know the answer.

You can search online, look in books and watch television to find out the answer. Answers that you might find here, are secondary sources of information because it is somebody else's research not your own. (Your own science investigations are called your primary research.)

For many years scientists have used both their own primary research and secondary sources of information as evidence to agree with their ideas or disagree with other people’s.

It is very important that you look at the source of the secondary information. Not everything that is written on the internet or appears on television is scientifically correct. In fact, some people publish their own version of events, or even lies on purpose. This has recently been called ‘fake news’.

Think about a scientific question or theory you would like to investigate. Think of a question that you cannot answer yourself, so that you will need secondary sources of information. If you are stuck, why not think about something in space (like ‘What is a black hole?’).

Find all the evidence you can to support or refute an idea of your own.

Use secondary sources of information to find out the answer. How will you ensure you find scientifically correct information and not fake news? (Start by looking at evidence you trust – such as ������̳ Bitesize, textbooks you use in school or your parents, carers and teachers.)