Mind maps or concept maps can help when you start planning a search. Think about the different components of your topic, and the words or phrases used to express them.
"mindmap-map-mind-process-strategy-4324289" by Biljana Jovanovic is licensed by Pixabay
For an overview of your topic, read background information in resources like dictionaries, encyclopedias, review articles, and treatises.
After you generate a list of potential search terms, decide how to connect the terms to each other. You can use a worksheet (.xlsx) to organize your search strategy.
Check your assignment instructions for requirements unrelated to the topic of your search.
When in doubt, check with your instructor.
Contact Nancy Curtis, the Chemistry and Physics librarian, if you have questions about creating a SciFindern account.