Middle School Reference Guide

This reference guide provides links to free, reliable internet sources to supplement our school’s database subscriptions. The sources are divided into academic categories: general, English, math, science, and social studies. Each source is followed by a short description.

General

http://www.FactMonster.com
• This kid-friendly website has information on English, science, social studies, math, sports, and current events.
• It also includes an atlas, an almanac, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, games, quizzes, and a “homework center.”
o Check out the “Cool Stuff” section to find out all kinds of facts!

http://www.IConn.org
• This database is maintained by the Connecticut State Library. It includes magazine and newspaper articles, health and science information, a section of articles in Spanish, and a statewide library catalog.
• Use IConn to find newspaper and magazine articles for research.
• To log in without a library card number, click the button that says, “Try this!”

www.InfoPlease.com
• InfoPlease.com is a variety of resources in one. It includes an almanac, an atlas, a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a thesaurus, and more.
• Use Infoplease.com to find information about current events, history, science, sports, famous people, and holidays.
o Check out the Homework Center for help in different subjects.

English

http://www.Dictionary.com
• You guessed it – this is an online dictionary.
• Dictionary.com also includes a thesaurus and an encyclopedia.

http://www.GrammarBook.com/english_rules.asp
• This website has answers to all your grammar questions – from how to use a period to the “who vs. whom” mystery.

http://Owl.English.Purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ -- MLA Style Guide
• Use this guide from Perdue University to refresh your memory about MLA format and citations.
o See the menu on the left side of the screen to find specific information.

Math

www.InfoPlease.com/homework/math-numbers-formulas.html
• This section of the InfoPlease website provides math definitions, formulas, and examples.

http://www.MathIsFun.com/
• This site has information on numbers, money, measurement, algebra, and geometry. It also includes a dictionary, puzzles, and a quiz section.

http://www.CoolMath.com/
• CoolMath.com has math resources on fractions, pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.
• Use this site to see explanations and example of math concepts, practice problems, and play fun games. Also, check out the dictionary of math definitions, formulas, properties, and diagrams.

Science

http://CyberSleuth-Kids.com/sleuth/Science/
• The science section of the CyberSleuth Kids website provides links to information about many science topics.
o Click on a topic from the list to find reliable web resources.

http://www.KidsAstronomy.com
• Use KidsAstronomy.com to find information on the solar system and space exploration.
• This site also includes an astronomy dictionary.

http://www.Science.HowStuffWorks.com
• This site explains various science concepts in the categories of earth science, engineering, everyday science, life science, military, physical science, space, and supernatural science.
o Type a research topic in the search field and see what comes up!

Social Studies

http://BensGuide.gpo.gov/
• Use Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government to find out about branches of government, the election process, how laws are made, and more!

http://www.Biography.com
• Use Biography.com to find information about the lives of notable people from the past and present.

http://www.Cnn.com/
• Use this site to find out about current events.


This reference guide was created in partial fulfillment of requirements for ILS 504 Reference Materials and Services, taught by Dr. Elsie Okobi at Southern Connecticut State University in Spring 2010.