LI SiRS Discoverer 2

Using the database feature I clicked on the "country Facts" link, which took me to an incredible alphabatized list of countries. Each one had a camera icon, noting that it had graphics with it. I chose the country Qatar as it was the only country that started with a Q. There were many facts on this country as well as leveled graphic organizers for teachers to use. Some of the helpful tools I noticed was being able to email the article to yourself for use at home writing your report or school. It also had the cite notation available to be copied directly into your report. All this information makes me want to check at the school to know if the teachers realize what is at their fingertips, offered by the state library. If there is another electronic resources challenge next year I will recommend it to the staff, even though I work at the public library. Once I get more familiar with each system I would love to hold workshops for children and their parents to let them know the wonderful resources that are out there.

Using the maps of the world, I learned they have over 3,000 detailed printable maps. These maps show bodies of water, major roads and cities of states and provinces. It wasn't as interactive as the World Book Encyclopedia, you couldn't zoom in or out but it would be very helpful to students looking at what general route they might use to get to a certain location, which areas have bodies of water and how many. It also shows the railroad lines which would be important in an economy or transportation since of a social studies class.

Question: What is a tree's favorite drink?
Answer: Root beer!--Allison Kwatek, Topsfield, Massachusetts
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Question: There are three ladies under one small umbrella. How come they did not get wet?
Answer: Because it was not raining!--Ray'Lee Purscell, Benbrook, Texas

From CHILD LIFE, copyright (c) 2001, by Children's Better Health Institute, Benjamin Franklin Literary & Medical Society, Inc., Indianapolis, IN. Used by permission.

These fabulous jokes were found in the activities section under the database feature. Then I found a list of things from recipes and plays to jokes, cartoons, quizzes, etc. There is no better way to grasp a student into a subject than to have them do something fun and exciting. Sometimes it doesn't take much to lead them back into a factual discussion than a well placed joke on the topic you are covering. Making food or doing a play brings a new dimension for the kids and

Picture title: Cartoon: Space Junk Caption: (Credit: Cam Cardow/Cagle Cartoons)

they learn by doing. This is a great resource for teachers but also kids and parents. When required to do a project to show what you've learned at the end of a unit, some kids find it difficult to think outside the box but this gives them ideas where to get started. Bravo SIRS Discoverer!

PS: Incase you missed it, the jokes and cartoon are in honor of both Eath Day and Arbor Day :)