Search the Web

You'll need to use different tools on the web depending on what you're trying to find out.  If you're looking for lots of information on a single topic you might want to try a Subject Directory, where people have already collected and organized a group of websites.  But if you want to find  specific information use a Search Engine.  So if you want to find out all about Native Americans, use a subject directory.  But if you want to find out about the Lenape tribe that lived in the Delaware Valley, use a search engine.  If you just want a definition or description, you could use an Encyclopedia or Dictionary.  You can also use a Library Database from home with your library card number. Or try the Kids' World Homework Help.   If you still can't find the information you need, you can Ask a Librarian, in person, by phone, by e-mail, or through online real-time reference.

Don't forget -- just because information is on a website doesn't mean it is true.  Learn how to evaluate websites to find the best ones.

USE A KID'S SEARCH ENGINE

USE A KIDS' SUBJECT DIRECTORY

Kids Click!
http://kidsclick.org/
Created by librarians just for kids.

Internet Public Library Kids' Space
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/

ALA's Great Sites for Kids
http://www.ala.org/gwstemplate.cfm?section=greatwebsites&template=/cfapps/gws/default.cfm
From the American Library Association.

Craft Finder from Family Fun
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/season/tool/craftfinder_tlp/
Find craft instructions for seasons, holidays, or occasions for all different ages.

USE A DATABASE

The library subscribes to databases that you can use from home.  Have your library card ready!

Searchasaurus

Magazine articles just for kids. Also contains a general encyclopedia and animal encyclopedia.

Discovering Collection For information on Literature, History, Biographies, Science, and Social Studies.

USE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA OR DICTIONARY

Dictionary
http://www.wordsmyth.net/
In addition to a regular search, you can do a "sounds-like" search, for when you don't know how to spell the word you're looking up!

The Columbia Encyclopedia
http://www.bartleby.com/65/
Over 51,000 entries. 

EVALUATING WEBSITES

Quick: The QUality Information ChecKlist
http://www.avon.k12.ct.us/enrichment/Enrich/quickgr4-0.htm
Fun, easy-to-use site that helps to determine whether a website is reliable.

What makes a website good?
http://www.multcolib.org/homework/webeval.html
From Multnomah County Library