Here’s a list of some of the resources you can use to design your study.

Observation – Observation is a very powerful tool and a great deal can be learned by watching something or someone. It can also lead to some excellent questions.

Books & Periodicals – Look for books, articles, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, journals, blogs, and any other written material available to you, about your chosen topic.

Videos and Vlogs – If you want to learn about something, there’s bound to be a video about it somewhere on the Internet! Do a quick search and don’t forget to bookmark your favorites! If you can’t find what you are looking for, consider making your own, based on your own experiences. It will help you connect with others interested in your topic.

Personal Experiences – Experience IS the absolute best teacher, so if you can get some first hand knowledge about your topic, go for it. Consider volunteering, getting or making a job in that area, helping someone who’s already doing what you would like to do, or paying someone to show you the ropes. Depending on the topic, you can also go to museums, zoos, aquariums, science centers, take tours, attend classes, and any number of other opportunities can open up to you.

Attend Programs & Events – Check your local paper, community calendar, groups, websites of interest, museums, reenactment societies, cafes, adult education facilities, science centers, societies related to your topic, and friends in the know, about programs and events being held on your topic of interest, and attend as many as possible. You’ll begin making connections and finding new leads and directions to go in.

Open Courses – The Internet is filled with formal and informal courses on a wide variety of topics. Search for what you need or ask someone if they have any leads. If you want to go at your own pace, look for courses that don’t have any time constraints.

Trial & Error – Good old trial and error will have you knowing the ins and outs and dos and don’ts in no time flat.
Note: Please stay safe. Get to know the safety rules and laws before hand if your chosen area is potentially dangerous.

The Internet is one excellent place for finding learning resources, but don’t forget your local library and their inter-library loan programs.

Look for apps in your favorite app store as well.