Week 4 - SIRS Issues Researcher and Discoverer

I don't follow direction very good so I looked up "Dogs" instead of armadillos.  I went to animals, then to pets and then to dogs.  Under the magazine section I found about "The Nose Knows" by Barbara Gowan. The article can be cited and it can be emailed.  When I went to graphics I found a cute article, "A Waggin Tail" and I learned that if a dog's tail wag is left biased the dog is nervous and if the tail wag is right biased the dog is happy.  I will have to check this one out on Lil' Guy...Auzzie's tail is really short.  In the newspaper section there is also an article in the NY Post about the dog's tail and what the wags mean.

The next place I went was the Database Features and checked out Country Facts.  I don't think there is any place to check out but Norway.  There is a very good selection of information with links to things like government type, vikings, etc.  There are additional resources for more information.

I was surprised to find out that there are over 3,000 detailed printable maps.  I checked the Norway map and found several maps that show the different military movements during WWII.  The Maps of the World section would be very handy for research.

In Database Features I looked at Olympics.  There are 178 articles, 64 newspapers, 41 magazine, 148 graphics, and 9 web find sites.  Graphics includes the photos from past Olympics.  But, there is good, current information in the magazines.

 In SIRS Issues Researcher I looked at the leading issues and chose Cursive writing.  There are pros/cons with 29 all sources types.  I heard on the radio this morning that with cursive not being taught in schools that the younger people won't be able to read old documents, old letters and many things that have to do with research and family tree.

Under research tools I looked at statistics and note organizer.  I think Note Organizer would be very handy for students doing research and a great place to keep track of a project.  The topic overview deals with Education Policy with pros/cons and essential questions.  There is a lot of information available and it also a person can do citations.

Curriculum pathfinder has an unbelievable amount of information available on math, science, social studies, language arts, fine arts and health.  I can see where this database would be very useful for students or anyone doing research.

Week 3 Learning Express Library

I have known about Learning Express Library for a long time, but haven't spent any time using this database. Even thought I may grumble about the "homework", I am glad I am finally taking the challenge.  The work isn't hard and it has opened my eyes up to what is really available.  So, as I try to answer this week's questions you may find me veering off course as I found things that were more for me.

I first went to the Adult Learning Center and discovered I could built my math skills, become a better reader, improve my writing, speaking and grammar and become a US citizen.  I think all of these would be great for anyone who has trouble with these areas.

Then, I went to the Career Center and prepare for an exam.  There were several to chose from and none of them were what I would be looking for.  But, I chose Culinary Arts and the practice exam with 115 questions.  I do a lot of cooking so figured I should know those answers.  But, even the practice exam was hard and it scored on several different parts...not just cooking.  It was very interesting to take this exam and I can see where these exams would help an adult or student prepare for the real exams.

In the Career Center I also went to Job Search and Workplace Skills.  The information on writing a resume was excellent.  I wish I would have had it last semester when I wrote my first resume. (Well, in reality I did have it, just didn't know it.)

My favorite was the College Center.  I found the Public Speaking - 20 simple lessons ebook.  It is a pdf and 196 pages long titled "Public speaking success in 20 minutes a day".  Since I will be taking public speaking in college next semester I know I will be coming back to this center for advice and help.