Research Tools

Databases for Research

Click here to view passwords for databases 

(You must have an smsd.org email to access)

Databases presentation: This will give you a good overview of the databases. 

• ABC-CLIO

• Infobase: includes Bloom's Literature, Issues and Controversies, Issues and Controversies in History, Ferguson's Career Guidance Center, and more

• Kansas State Library Online Databases

  • Tip: Use Explora Multi-search to start

• Discovery Education (replacing Learn 360 in the 24-25 school year)

  • Log in through Classlink

• Science in Context

• World Book Online

• NEW in 2024-2025: Newsbank Databases! 

  • Access World News: Explore diverse perspectives, topics and trends that align with curricular areas such as English, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Arts, History and more to foster critical thinking skills. Features reliable, credible information from a wide variety of international, national, and local sources.

  • America's Historical Newspapers 1690-2000: Study significant periods in American history through a timeline-based interface. Complete editions from hundreds of U.S. newspapers provide primary source content covering eras such as the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World War I, Roaring Twenties, Great Depression, World War II, Civil Rights Movement, Vietnam War, Information Age and more.

• Teachers, are you wondering how to use Newsbank in your classroom? Check out these webinars: 

  • Introduction to using Access World News webinar: Click link to watch

Media Bias

Everyone is biased, including the media. Hidden bias is misleading, so understanding the political leanings of your news sources can help you understand both sides of the issues, think for yourself, and avoid manipulation. 

Check out the Ad Fontes Interactive Media Bias Chart to identify the biases in your sources and make sure you’re getting a balanced diet of news.