Grade 4

Research Tips

*Read broadly and deeply from a variety of sources and many points of view*

1. books
2. encyclopedias - World Book and Britannica
3. magazines and newspapers - use a database such as Explora
4. educational programs such as BrainPop
5. websites - use a kid friendly search engine such as WebPath Express
6. people
7. pictures, videos, radio, TV, field trips, etc!


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Colonies in America

Besides looking in World Book Online, some recommended websites are:

http://www.ducksters.com/history/colonial_america/thirteen_colonies.php

http://www.history.com/topics/thirteen-colonies

http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/colonial/jb_colonial_subj.html

http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/wwww/us/13coloniesdef.htm

http://www.softschools.com/facts/13_colonies/

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General Web Searches

You cannot automatically trust the information you find on the web.  Be a critical thinker!  

Key questions to ask yourself are:

1. Who wrote it?
2. What was their reason for writing it?
3. When did they write it?
4. Where did the information come from?
5. How useful is the site? Relevance?
6. How good is the site for you? Is it easy to navigate?

** Remember to check the information against credible sources. (Rule of 3)

 "Google is a popularity contest - not a judge of what is worthwhile."

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Electricity (Dewey numbers 537 and 621)

Besides looking in World Book Online, some recommended websites are:

http://www.ducksters.com/science/physics/

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/electricity.html

http://easyscienceforkids.com/all-about-electricity/

https://www.enwin.com/kids/electricity/index.cfm

http://kids.saveonenergy.ca/en/what-is-electricity/

http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/energy/electricity/

http://studyjams.scholastic.com/studyjams/jams/science/energy-light-sound/electricity.htm

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/electricity-and-energy.html

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Native Americans

As you explore and learn about Native American groups, here are some helpful tips and resources...

Recommended search terms:

"Indians of North America"

"Native Americans"

"Indigenous"

"Aboriginals"

Besides looking in World Book Online, some recommended websites are:

http://www.ducksters.com/history/native_americans.php

http://www.dkfindout.com/us/history/native-americans/

http://www.learner.org/interactives/historymap/indians.html

http://interactivesites.weebly.com/native-americans.html

http://nmai.si.edu/searchcollections/home.aspx

http://www.factmonster.com/encyclopedia/society/natives-north-american.html

https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-stories/

For some Thanksgiving explorations, you can go to:

http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/