1. Reference Resources Being A Good Detective! By Mrs. Hillman 2005

2. Finding Answers Write the question. Draw a line under the keyword (main word). Decide which resource would be the best choice. Be prepared to work hard…it isn’t easy & it takes time!

3. Encyclopedia A set of books or online Articles arranged in alphabetical order General information about a topic

4. Find it in the Encyclopedia! Example: Write a report about cheetahs, please include the answer to this question. How fast can a cheetah run? How fast can a cheetah run? Search in the “C” Encyclopedia Use Guide Words and important words (bold) to narrow your search. Top speed of 70 miles per hour!

5. Dictionary Lists words in alphabetical order Shows how to pronounce each word Tells the meaning of the word

6. Find It in the Dictionary! Example: How do you say quiet? Look in the “Q” section. Alphabetize to the second and third letters. Use the Guide Words. The pronunciation is-quiet (kwi et)

7. Thesaurus Gives synonyms for words (same) Gives antonyms for words (opposite) Alphabetical Order

8. Find it in the Thesaurus! Example: Find another word for special. Look in the “S” section. Alphabetize to the second and third letters. Use the Guide Words. A word is unusual or exceptional

9. Atlas A book of maps or online Index at back in alphabetical order Lists all the places

10. Find it in the Atlas! Example: Use the coordinates to find Lincoln, Nebraska. Look in the index for Nebraska and narrow your search to Lincoln. Find the page number & identify the location by naming the coordinates.

11. Almanac A book of facts or online Index at the back lists all subjects in alphabetical order Current facts about people, places, weather, sports, or special events

12. Find it in the Almanac! Example: What state has the most libraries? Look in the index under libraries. Narrow your search. Keep looking! And the answer is…New York!

13. Online search engine Variety of current, in-depth articles and related topics

14. Find it Online using a Search Engine! Example: What is Pole Track 2005? Use a search engine such as Google. Type in the keywords Pole Track 2005 Skim the results and narrow your search. Pole Track follows scientists to the North Pole. It’s an adventure!

15. Online Library Card Catalog Can help you find a listing of books in the library

16. Find it Online using the Library Card Catalog! Example: Does our library have any books about caring for gerbils? Go to our online library card catalog. Search for the keyword gerbils & you will get all of our gerbil books. Search for the phrase caring for gerbils and it will narrow the results. Make sure you spell it right!

17. Let’s Practice! Open the Reference Resources eReader Find examples of how to use each source I will be randomly dividing you into teams of 3 or 4 students. You will need to work with your team to think of different ways to use these sources.