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Why should I use a database?
Why should I use a database?
Why not just use Google, or any search engine, to find the answers to all of my questions? A few key points are:
Why not just use Google, or any search engine, to find the answers to all of my questions? A few key points are:
Search engines like Google are motivated by advertising and profit. Not all information that comes up in your search will be true or even relevant to your question.
Databases are collections of information that have been checked for accuracy.
Databases are organized by subject, and are easily searchable.
Google is not "bad" - it is very useful if used well! However, you should always think hard about whether your source is reliable or not. So, please consider:
Google is not "bad" - it is very useful if used well! However, you should always think hard about whether your source is reliable or not. So, please consider:
Who wrote or created your source information? Is the author qualified (by job position, experience, or education) enough for you to cite their work?
Why did they write or record this source? Was it to inform, persuade, or to entertain?
Where did the source come from? Is it a trusted site, space, or person?
When was the source created? If the source is "old", does that affect your research? If it is an online source, can you see when or if the site was last updated?
How do you feel after reading, watching or listening to your source? Are you excited? Angry? Sad? If your emotion shifts during or after research, pause and think. How might the author use their voice to affect how you feel, and what does that mean for the source?
If you aren't sure about your source, ask a teacher or librarian!
If you aren't sure about your source, ask a teacher or librarian!
General databases (and search engines) get your search started:
General databases (and search engines) get your search started:
Grades 2-12: Reference work and research is synonymous with Britannica! It's a classic. Britannica School is separated by Elementary, Middle, & High School to best serve student interests and information needs. The state of California has purchased a subscription to Britannica School for every student in the state.
Grades 2-12: This is an easy-to-use research and reference tool that provides accurate and reliable content on almost every core subject. Take time to explore the world and US atlases, use the search bar to find your research topic, and take note of the freely given reference information at the bottom of each article!
u: sta p: flix
Grades PreK-6: National Geographic offers this free and engaging resource for students that would like to dig a little deeper! National Geographic developed the popular Weird But True! series. Well, there are many Weird But True! videos and articles available here! National Geographic is particularly good for learning about animals, US states, space, history, and general science.
Grades 2-12: ¡Hola! Are you looking to practice your Spanish? Britannica Escolar is an encyclopedia in Spanish! You can use Britannica Escolar just like Britannica School; to research and learn about topics of interest, all while muscling up on your español.
Gale offers students a chance to deeply connect to National Geographic, as it hosts hundreds of Nat Geo books, thousands of magazines, and an extensive library of educational pictures and video.
if prompted for a password: poppy
Subject databases like these are for specific queries:
Subject databases like these are for specific queries:
Gale Interactive: Science allows students to manipulate 3D interactive models to visualize and understand biology, chemistry, earth, and space science concepts. Explore this site to deepen your learning and understanding of science- it rules! Available to all students in California.
if prompted for a password: poppy
Gale in Context: Environmental Studies broadens student understanding of environmental issues that affect people globally through topic overviews, journals, news, and multimedia content. Available to all students in California. Click here to explore this site.
if prompted for a password: poppy
Pebble GO: K-2 Science resource
Capstone Interactive: K-2 nonfiction eBooks, and short Spanish and bilingual books that are great for all levels.
Government sources can provide evidence and context:
Government sources can provide evidence and context:
Presented by the Library of Congress, Congress.gov is the official website for U.S. federal legislative information.
The Court is the highest tribunal in the Nation for all cases and controversies arising under the Constitution or the laws of the United States. Use this site to learn about the Supreme Court, the justices, and to read about landmark rulings and cases.
GovInfo provides free public access to official publications from all three branches of the Federal Government.
Science.gov provides access to millions of authoritative scientific research results from U.S. federal agencies.
Historic newspapers provide additional perspective:
Historic newspapers provide additional perspective:
Search America's Historic Newspaper Pages through 1963 The Chronicling America Historic American Newspapers collection provides access to select digitized newspaper pages produced by the National Digital Newspaper Program (NDNP), a partnership between the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Library of Congress.
The California Digital Newspaper Collection is a repository of historical California newspapers published from 1846-present, including the first California newspaper, the Californian, and the first daily Californian newspaper, the Daily Alta California. It also contains issues of current California newspapers, collected as PDFs, that are part of a project to preserve and provide access to contemporary papers.
Primary sources (such as letters, photos, and speeches) bring history to life and give research credibility:
Primary sources (such as letters, photos, and speeches) bring history to life and give research credibility:
DPLA is a collection of over 50,000,000 images, texts, videos, and sounds from across the United States. These sources are grouped in exhibitions, by primary source topic, and partner institution.
AODL is an open access digital library of African cultural heritage materials created by Michigan State University in collaboration with museums, archives, scholars, and communities around the world.
The Europeana website provides cultural heritage enthusiasts, professionals, teachers, and researchers with access to Europe's digital cultural heritage. Why? To inspire and inform fresh perspectives and open conversations about history and culture.
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