Thing 16 - Research and Reference Tools -

Research and Reference Tools
Part 1
I compared and contrasted InfoTrac Junior Edition and InfoTrac Student Edition.  I searched "Periodic Table of Elements" and the resources/references that were generated were the same.  The first magazines that was referenced was "Current Science, a Weekly Reader publication".  When I went a little bit into the researching "Weekly Reader" the information that was provided says: "A weekly magazines for middle and high schools. Uses current events to make science more relevant to students and covers every area of the science curriculum - earth, physical science, life, health and technology.."  I believe Weekly Reader has been known to make an error or two in reporting, so that is my first concern.  In the first 15 or so magazine references, two are from Weekly Reader.  Science News was the most referenced sight, and it has five or so in the first twenty references.  The information on science news is: "A weekly science news magazine covering the most significant research in all fields of science in short articles designed to appeal to both general readers and scientists".  The readbility/useability/content of these reference materials are suitable for junior high students, which is what I teach.  I am concerned about the credibility.  When selecting "academic journals", I found this too advance for junior high/middle school.

Part 2
I went to General Reference Center Gold and searched the same key words "periodic table of elements" I received pretty much the same information when I searched InfoTrac Junior Edition and Student Edition.  Interestingly though, are the "general" articles that are referenced.  In General Reference, there was an article from "Brides" magazine, about how to have a "geeky, nerdy" (my words) wedding favors and table decorations.  More care would have to be used when using the General References.

Part 3

Citation created in MEL database.

Citation created in EasyBib.
I have used on-line citations before, and I wish these tools would have been avaible when I was in middle/high school and college.  I came across them onced I starting working on my Masters.

B. Sack