To succeed in a rapidly changing world, students must be critical thinkers and develop the ability to acquire, evaluate and interpret information. Research is an organized process of searching for answers to questions, which in turn pose additional questions.These needed information literacy skills are taught in a sequential order according to a plan developed jointly by the media specialist and classroom teachers.

PRINT RESOURCES

Each research unit has appropriate print resources. These books, including reference books, can be checked out by students, but often check out is restricted to one night.

ONLINE RESOURCES

Online Resources provide current, reliable information needed for research from thousands of sources not available using commercial search engines. These are easily accessed on any computer at school from the desktop "Media Center" folder. They can be accessed at home using passwords. Check Edline (Departments/Media Center) or ask for a print copy of the passwords in the Media Center.

Encyclopedias:

Encyclopaedia Britannica Online: Four versions of the encyclopedia for different reading levels and research needs; provides weblinks & graphics; includes a Spanish language version. [password required]

Encyclopaedia Britannica Global Reference Center: Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and French encyclopedias, plus al ink to the Spanish reference center. [password required]

Enciclopedia Britannica Universal en Espanol Spanish language version of Britannica Online with images, videos and Spanish language learning materials. [password required]

World Book Online Reference Center AND Enciclopedia Estudianti Hallaztgos General encyclopedia for varied reading levels; videos and related web links, atlas and dictionary. Links at the bottom take you the the Spanish language version and World Book Kids. [password required]

Books Online:

Gale Virtual Reference Library [password required]

American Civil War

Ancient Greece and Rome

Endangered Species

Complete Human Disease and Conditions

Science textbook [password required] : Pearson SuccessNet:

Databases:

The Case for Using Online Databases vs. Search Engines

Annals of American History: Online access to original primary source documents in U.S. history. [password required]

AP Images: Search for current and historical images, graphics, audio files. [password required]

Bridges (Choices Explorer): Explore career and education options. [password required]

CultureGrams: Profiles of the culture, people, geography, history, maps, flags and statistics of countries and states. [password required]

eLibrary: Over 800 full-text sources: newspapers, magazines, reference books, pictures, maps, radio/TV transcripts, Spanish language articles. [password required]

Facts for Learning: Reference database searching classroom magazines, world almanacs, encyclopedia & reference books. [password required]

Gale: Student Resource Center, Jr., History Resource Center: U.S., Science Resource Center, and Opposing Viewpoints. Databases with full-text periodicals, newspapers, pamphlets, primary source documents and web sites.SRC meets general needs, HRCUS focuses on US history, SRC on science and OV offers Pro/Con positions. [password required]

Issues and Controversies: Pro/Con positions on current events, with statistical data, etc. [password required]

Journey Back in Time: Database of historical newspapers that cover eras from the Colonial era to present. Includes rare books, journals and diaries. [password required]

Newsbank KidsPage AND America's Historical Newspapers: Articles about news headlines, issues and events from hundreds of magazines, newspapers and journals. Includes "America's Historical Newspapers", with original newspapers from 1690 - 1922. [password required]

NoodleTools: Bibliography composer with fully integrated note-taking. Note for first-time users: you must set up your own account after signing in under Hoover MS. [password required]

SIRS Decades: Primary and secondary source articles on events, people and places in 20th Century America; includes editorial cartoons, videos, advertisements, web sites, etc. [password required]

SIRS Discoverer: A database with subject information and biographies from magazines, newspapers and selected web sites.[password required]

SIRS Knowledge Source: 5 separate databases [Researcher, Govt. Reporter, Renaissance, Web Select, Interactive Citizen] covering all subjects and current events, US Govt. resources, arts and humanities; provides weblinks. [password required]

TeachingBooks.net: Learn about authors & illustrators, see them on video, and explore their web sites.[password required]

Webster's New International Dictionary: [password required]

World Data Analyst: Up-to-date information and statistics about world countries. [password required]

World History - Ancient & Medieval Eras: Research ancient and medieval eras (i.e., ancient Greece, ancient African kingdoms, medieval Europe). [password required]

Weblinks has moved. Use the Academic Projects button on the Navigation Bar above.

Other Libraries:

MCPS School Library Media Program

Internet Public Library

Montgomery County Public Libraries

Kathy Schrock's Guide @ DiscoverySchool.com

Search Engines:

MCPS Search Engine List: A quick list of general, student-friendly & specialized search engines.

MCPS Search Engine Comparison : Comprehensive, descriptions of special features and search options.

NetTrekker: A search engine which provides reliable, teacher-evaluated web sites.[password required]

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

Pre-Research:

Research Process Strategy Model (AGOPP): The importance of having a research plan before beginning your research:

Evaluating Web Pages:

Web Site Evaluation Form: When researching on the internet, it is important to evaluate the reliability of web sites. Use this form (from Churchill HS) and submit it with your assignment when using web sites other than those from our online databases.

Hoover's Works Cited Format:

Works Cited Format

Copyright and Plagiarism:

It is important to know about these topics. Write using your own words and make sure you give proper credit to others when using their work:

Plagiarism (Oregon School Library Information System): Good information on plagiarism and how to avoid it.

"Copyright in a Digital Age": This article describes copyright restrictions, especially when using music, video, software, the internet or multimedia products.

Copyright & Plagiarism Information (Naperville Central HS): Easy to read web site with good sections for students and teachers.