SIRS – Discoverer
Before students access the Discoverer it is critical they understand the framework of the site. We discuss the search result page, starting with the tab sources, icons and the sort by, explaining that the lexile level is like a customized reading level.
I found a good range in articles for lemurs. The teacher resources within “Country Facts” would be helpful, especially the graphic organizers. The wide variety of maps, not just geographical or political, would add another dimension to the understanding of the country.
I couldn’t keep away from the Skills Discoverer…Wow! The art and music! I also enjoyed the Science Fair Explorer and plan to pass the information on to our science department.
SIRS – Researcher
Why would you consult any other source! I remember the SIRS in the gray binders. That wasn’t so long ago was it?! The site is nicely laid out and user friendly. When students have experienced a quality resource they discover that “googling” a topic becomes more difficult. The “Today’s News” certainly reinforces the timeliness of the database! The narrow your search results box is extremely helpful and I noticed many of the web select sites end with edu., net. or org.
SIRS Discoverer and Researcher…the possibilities are endless!
Kriscat, we like the way you think! I, too, remember those gray SIRS binders--just yesterday, it seems! Did you take a look at Research Tools in SIRS Issues Researcher? We've gotten good teacher feedback on the "My Analysis" tool that walks students through the research process step-by-step. Thanks for your comments and for sharing the good news about SIRS.
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