Lesson 4 -- SIRS Issues Researcher and Discoverer

SIRS Discoverer

1. Look up armadillos (or your favorite animals) and discuss the results. Note if you find pictures and the various reading levels of the articles. (Remember, articles in SIRS Discoverer are selected, so you may not find something from yesterday's news.)

During my search for polar bears, 413 total articles appeared.  At the top of the screen, I can see what type of article they are, i.e. newspaper, magazine, reference.  This also tells me there were 55 graphics for my search.  Underneath the menu bar with this information is another menu that includes reading levels.  The sort feature also includes Lexile readability information.  By looking at the title “Warm and Furry Polar Bears” looks like a book I might read with my child.  Behind its title, I can see it is easy to read and contains pictures.  The Lexile level is 760.  Some articles come in .pdf format.  These features would make classroom use through being able to select tasks that are at the students’ reading level as well as having options for either printing or uploading to a device.

2. Some of the most useful features in SIRS Discoverer are the "Database Features" located on the right hand side of the window. Explore this section by:

• selecting a country in "Country Facts" and noting the information located there.

The page for Australia (listed under Oceania) includes the country’s official name, capital, population, size, region, type of government and official, agricultural information, climate, currency, languages, and holidays/observations.  The information also includes a map and graphic of the country’s flag as well as an outline of historical events and additional resources.

"Australia." SIRS Discoverer: Country Facts. 2013: n.p. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 21 Feb. 2014.

• selecting a map in "Maps of the World" and discuss a potential use.

The U.S. Historical maps would be a great resource for history and geography classes as they discuss how historical events have physically shaped our boarders as a country as well as states and territories.

• selecting one other area in "Database Features" and discuss the information located there.

I think it is absolutely wonderful that the Database Features includes current Winter Olympics information.  I can see how classrooms could use these articles to follow along with current events within the Olympics.  I also think the Non-fiction ebooks are AWESOME!  Free ebooks that any student/classroom can access, what a great feature.

SIRS Issues Researcher
1. Select a leading issue and discuss the information located there, noting the topic overview, research tools and articles.

Adoption:

Topic Overview – The topic overview does just that.  It provides an overview by explaining the issue is in broad terms.  It also provides a link to terms that are important to know are why researching the topic.

Research Tools – This portion of the database not only includes the overview, but also timelines, global impacts, and statistics.  It also includes an area filled with resources to help me organize my analysis of the topic and organize my notes.

Articles – The articles are categorized by source types.  This can be helpful for students are they consider different perspectives of their research.  For example, articles on adoption in magazines and newspapers may likely provide a perspective on a specific adoption situation while viewpoints and reference would give a more general view of the topic.

2. Select "Curriculum Pathfinders" on the right hand side of the window and mouse over the course subjects, noting the range of topics covered. Pick your favorite subject and discuss the information located there.

Language Arts – Creative Writing:

131 results are present for this area including seventeen WebSelect Sites.  My eye is immediately caught by a link to a Comic Creator site from the International Reading Association.  What a great tool for students to create comics that demonstrate their understanding of whatever that classroom topic/subject may be.  The Curriculum Pathfinders tool is great resource for teachers as they develop lessons and units of instruction.