The purpose of this pathfinder is to direct students and teachers to quality resources that will support and enhance research projects on explorers. Fifth grade students with some knowledge of computers and the Internet should be able to navigate the pathfinder independently.
Some of the resources listed in the pathfinder are located in the Childs Elementary School library media center; others are high quality Internet resources such as websites, online encyclopedias, and databases. The Internet sources have been selected using the American Library Association's Great Web Sites for Kids Selection Criteria. The criteria focus on:The sites recommended here were primarily created by well-respected organizations such as museums, National Geographic, PBS, and various governmental entities such as the Library of Congress. In addition, two ThinkQuests, educational sites created by students, are recommended. Both were winners in this demanding competition and serve as good resources for other young people.
- Authority/Sponsorship: Who Put up the Site?
- Purpose: Every Site has a Reason for Being There
- Design and Stability: A Great Site has Personality and Strength of Character
- Content: A Great Site Shares Meaningful and Useful Content that Educates, Informs, or Entertains
In the process of identifying the Internet resources, the following search engines and archive sites were used:
The Importance of Electronic Resources
Electronic resources offer an important addition to traditional print resources during research projects such as this one. Electronic resources provide a depth and breadth of coverage that would be difficult and expensive to replicate in a library's physical collection. Multimedia presentations such as animated maps and interactive exhibits add interest for all students and support those with visual and auditory learning styles. Using the wealth of primary resources available on the Web makes items such as photos of original maps, letters, and artifacts available to students everywhere.
It is my hope that you find this pathfinder helpful. Any comments, questions, or suggestions can be directed to Jennifer Perry at jeperry@indiana.edu.