A variety of electronic research databases are made available by school subscription and instruction in their use is part of all lower school classes. The databases used in grades K-6 are:
CLCD ChildrensLit
: This is a one-stop shopping site when looking for children's books. Browse by theme, do a specific search or click on one of the dozens of links to booklists and reading organizations.
CountryWatch
: This resource ncludes political, economic, cultural and environmental information and current news on all the countries of the world.
CultureGrams
: This database is really three in one. The" Kids Edition" tells about all the countries in the world and is usable for grades K-4. It is complete with sound files, fun facts and printable maps and is written at a fourth grade reading level. When more detail is needed, particularly in matters of culture, you'll find it in "World Edition." Both editions contain recipes, a photo gallery and an index of famous people from every country. The" States Edition" makes it easy to find lots of facts about all 50 states and The District of Columbia. It includes physical, political and outline maps.
EBSCOhost/Searchasaurus
: Use this database for a basic encyclopedia, for magazine articles and for photos, maps and flags that can be used in reports. This resource is particularly helpful for animal research and photos.
Electric Library
: You can use this database for articles in hundreds of newspapers and magazines and for transcripts of radio and television shows.
Encyclopedia Britannica Online
: This online encyclopedia contains thousands of articles from four different Britannica encyclopedias. It also offers “Biography of the Day,” “This Day in History” and other spotlight topics. In addition, you will find links to Web sites that have been reviewed by Britannica's staff and a multitude of videos.
Facts on File Online
: Use this database for current, detailed information in science and history. It also has an excellent atlas with printable maps. There are printable handouts for teachers to use and information on literature and careers.
Teaching Books.net
is a comprehensive author database with two main components. It provides original videos of author interviews and also serves as a portal for other multimedia information and links already available on the Internet.
Wilson Biography Plus Illustrated
: This database has thousands of articles aboutand photos of people you want to know. It can be searched by name or browsed by field.
World Book Online
: With all of the articles of the famous World Book encyclopedia, this database also adds special features about the 50 states and Canada and provides information on current world issues and headlines. A new feature is the detailed section on New Jersey.