Presentation on theme: "SIRS Discoverer Opens a world of information to students"— Presentation transcript:
1SIRS Discoverer Opens a world of information to students Online Tutorial discoverer.sirs.com | proquestk12.com
2Welcome to SIRS Discoverer An award-winning database designed with the young researcher in mind.Strengthens research, reading, writing, and computer skills.Articles and graphics from more than 1,900 U.S. and international magazines, newspapers, and U.S. government documents.
3Welcome to SIRS Discoverer Materials are carefully selected for their educational content, interest, and level of readability.Because it includes middle and elementary curriculum topics, Discoverer can be easily integrated into classroom activities.
4SIRS Discoverer WebFind Now includes Discoverer WebFind as a content set.Dynamically updated collection of websites.Websites are evaluated for research value, high interest, credibility, and age appropriateness.Sites are monitored for content changes by SIRS' sophisticated software.
5How Can I Utilize SIRS in My Library or Classroom? SIRS Solutions Make The GradeHow Can I Utilize SIRS in My Library or Classroom?Research PapersPersuasive SpeechesDebate Team ResearchCurrent Events DiscussionsConsult Primary Source MaterialsAnalyze Statistical DataFind Materials Linked to State, National, Canadian StandardsSupplement Outdated TextbooksCreate Reading ListsProvide PathfindersCurriculum IntegrationHomework HelpDownload Photographs, Graphics, Maps, Charts
6Database Features What’s Inside Activities Biographies Country Facts CareersFictionHolidaysPathfindersPhoto EssaysPicturesMaps of the WorldWebsites
7Database Features Top Pick Articles, images, and websites are regularly selected by our SIRS research team comprised of 40+ professionals with diverse educational backgrounds.Highlights interesting articles and images that are tied to timely themes.
8Database Features Pathfinders Research ideas to help pupils start researching right away. Includes:Born this Month BiographiesHolidays & Celebrations World culturesChallenge Quest Quiz and pathfinders aid information literacySuggested Research TopicsStart research with these top searches
9Database Features Activities Provides a shortcut to full-text articles that offer activities:Science experimentsCraft projectsWriting activitiesActivities are marked with a label in the article results list (an a) to make them easy to identify within results.
10Database Features Biographies 1,500+ full-text biographies of famous and notable people are available, including U.S. Presidents.Available in multiple reading levels.WebFind features sites with biographical information on artists, scientists, inventors, historical figures, and more.
11Database Features Fiction From Historical Fiction to Myths and Fairytales, SIRS Discoverer provides hundreds of articles, and websites, to suit every interest.
12Database Features Country Facts Articles with information on nearly 200 countries.Printable maps, flags, population statistics, government information, languages spoken, economic data, history.Many countries also have links to Culture Facts.In addition, profiles and graphics are included for every U.S. State and Canadian Province.
13Database Features Photo Essays Photo Essays portray social issues and global concepts.Each topic consists of several essays containing photographs, maps, or other graphic elements, along with brief, informative text.
14Database Features Pictures Keyword search or browse for pictures using an alphabetical index.33,000+ high-quality pictures accompany full-text articles.Pictures include photographs, illustrations, maps, charts, and more.Send pictures as attachments, or save to HD/CD/USB flash drives for use in presentations.
15Database Features Maps of the World More than 3,000 detailed, printable maps are available as an online reference almanac.Maps include all 50 United States, the provinces and territories of Canada, as well as nations and regions of the world.Includes U.S. Historical, World Historical, and Outline Maps.
16Additional resources and usage boosters available @ proquestk12.com Database FeaturesEducators’ ResourcesIncludes a collection of materials designed to help librarians and library patrons.Access anywhere in Discoverer from a link provided in the footer of every page, and on the home page.Additional resources and usage boosters proquestk12.com
17Database Features Educators’ Resources Podcasts What's New NewslettersReference ToolboxDiscoverer WorkbooksSource ListsDirectory of PublicationsLibrary Promotional MaterialsSystem Administrator OptionsFrequently Asked QuestionsFree online trainingMore
18Database Features Reference Works Current Events Spotlight of the MonthThe World Almanac ® for KidsEncyclopedia Britannica ®
19Database Features Current Events Dynamically updated with full-text articles and graphics.New content added daily.Editor-selected to encourage research and awareness of current events.
20Database Features Spotlight of the Month Spotlight of the Month features a new topic each month covering timely to encourage further research.Preview the upcoming spotlight for lesson planning, or review the archive from the previous year.
21Database Features World Almanac The World Almanac for Kids provides information on a variety of topics including people, countries, animals, the environment, and history.Search or browse a table of contents.View maps and other related graphics.
22Database Features Encyclopedia Search Encyclopedia Britannica's 17,440 entries.Research articles and images covering science, math, history, cultures, ideas, the natural world, places, people, and more.
23SIRS Discoverer Search Paths Three Search Methods1. Subject Tree SearchLocate content via 15 category buttons.Categories are divided into sub-topics, or “branches,” creating a subject tree.Useful when you have a general subject in mind and allows you to explore many different fields without limiting you to predetermined topics.
24Database Features Three Search Methods 1. Subject Tree Search Topics appear in each category and may be followed by article or website titles.An < indicates the branch has been expanded.Select the branch to return to that level of the tree.An > indicates there are additional levels beyond this branch in the tree.
25Database Features Three Search Methods 2. Keyword Search Boolean Operators AND, OR, NOTTruncation farm* -> farmers, farmingPhrase Searching “affirmative action”Natural Language Why is the sky blue?Article Sorting Relevance Date Lexile
26Database Features Three Search Methods 2. Keyword Search (Advanced) Additional search fields available, search by Title or Author, or together in conjunction with Full-Text.Reading Level Selectors: Easy, Moderate, ChallengingSearch in almanac or encyclopediaLimit results to a Lexile range.
27Database Features Three Search Methods 3. Subject Headings Search Use this method when you have a specific research topic in mind.Articles are indexed according to Library of Congress subject headings.
28Database Features Search Results Results are returned with special icons and tools that aid in selecting content:1. Source & Summary2. Article or Website Title3. Subjects4. Pictures5. Article Labelsa – Activityf – Fictionp – People6. Source/Publisher7. Date8. Size
29Database Features Source Tabs & Modify Source tabs have been added to help further narrow your results.A search box at the bottom enable users to modify a search without having to start over.
30Database Features Source & Summary Source information accompanies every full-text article and website.Summaries are written by SIRS editors to help students and teachers judge relevance quickly.
31Database Features Full-Text Articles 100% Full-Text Keyword bolding of search termsArticle Reading LevelsIn-line pictures support readingLinks to related articlesarticles and picturesPrint for reading or reference
32Database Features WebFind Sites Selected by subject specialists to ensure age appropriateness, credibility, reliability.Continually monitored for content changes.Source, Summary, and Descriptor information aids in determining content.Supports curriculum through assigned Reading Levels, Topics, and Subjects.
33Database Features Reading Levels General (All grades) Articles and sites are assigned a reading level according to editorial judgement, the Flesch Reading Ease and Lexile scale.Limit searches to include articles or websites of a single reading level or broader Lexile range, in any combination.General (All grades)Easy (Grades 1-4)Moderate (Grades 5-7)Challenging (Grades 8+)
34Lexile Score Table @ www.lexile.com Database FeaturesLexile Score Table @Reading LevelsAgeSchool YearTypical Lexile LevelWhy use two separate reading levels?SIRS editorially-assigned reading levels take into account subject matter, depth of coverage and Flesch Reading Ease scale.Lexile Scores provide a formalized measurement by which students and teachers can track their reading progress, one of the necessary requirements for NCLB funding.(All grade levels) (Grades 1-4) (Grades 5-7) (8th Grade & Beyond)
35Database Features Subjects Subjects are words or phrases based on Library of Congress subject headings that describe what an article is about and link to related articles.All articles and websites are hand-indexed to ensure relevant results.
36Database Features Pictures The Camera icon signifies that there are one or more pictures available.Select the icon to view a list.In addition, articles include inline thumbnail images, which assist researchers and create context.
37Database Features Article Labels a - Designates the article contains an activity.f - Designates the article is a work of fiction.p - Designates the article contains biographical information about a person.
38Database Features Email Users may full-text articles and pictures to their personal addresses right from the article display.
39Database Features Print A Print button displays at the top of each article.Allows quick and easy access to the print dialog box of your browser.
40SIRS Discoverer Additional Help SIRS educational and training materials meet the funding criteria for the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.Provide a means for testing student achievement and highlighting performance improvement strategies with student research worksheets.
41SIRS Discoverer Additional Help In addition, SIRS provides links to Standards Correlations in our Educator’s Resources area.Also online at proquestk12.com under Curriculum Support.
42SIRS Discoverer Additional Help Tutorial Dictionary &Thesaurus Help IndexSearch TipsHow to CiteWorkbooksEducators’ ResourcesBookmark
43Additional Aids Dictionary + Thesaurus A dictionary and thesaurus are available to assist users in defining words, checking spelling, choosing the perfect word, and more.
44Additional Aids Help Index Context-sensitive help provides detailed instructions on locating articles and using database features.SIRS Discoverer's Help feature may be searched by keyword or table of contents.All database keywords are indexed for easy reference.
45Additional Aids Search Tips Search tips are provided in a handy reference sheet that can be viewed or printed.Review meanings and search syntax.Learn how to choose a search method, use Boolean operators, phrase searching, and more.
46Additional Aids How to Cite How to Cite provides descriptions and real examples on how to cite using the Modern Language Association Format (MLA), the American Psychological Association Format (APA), and Turabian.
47Additional Aids Workbooks SIRS workbooks contain exercises that help users master search methods.Educator’s GuidePrimary School Edition, targeting grades 1-5Middle School Edition, targeting grades 6-8Available in PDF and HTML.
48Additional Aids Educators’ Resources Includes a collection of materials designed to help librarians and library patrons.Access anywhere in from a link provided in the footer of every page.
49SIRS Source Lists & More @ proquestk12.comDownload the latest source lists.Researcher, Discoverer, Renaissance, DecadesAdditional background information, training materials, posters, custom flyers, videos.
50SIRS Discoverer Questions. Call our ProQuest representatives at 1. 800