There are some new databases available on Galileo that are worth checking out.  I wanted to share some of the new ones with you so that you would be aware of them.  You can get to Galileo by going to www.wacona.com and clicking on the Media Center website.  When you get to the Media Center site, click on Research, then click on the link to Galileo. 

When you get to Galileo, click on the tab that says “Databases A-Z.”  This will give you an alphabetized list of all of the databases.  Below are some that I would recommend:

Book Collection: Nonfiction- This is a cross-curricular database that contains searchable full text for more than 3800 popular non-fiction books for students.  Whatever topic you are teaching, you can type it in and find a number of full-text nonfiction books that can be printed or read online.  You can narrow your search to books for elementary school or you can narrow your search to books within a particular reading range.  This would be a great tool for differentiation, as you could provide students with content information written at their reading level.

Britannica Learning Zone- “designed specifically for young learners. Students will find engaging and developmentally-appropriate activities including an interactive atlas, learning games, engaging audio and video, and effective vocabulary builders. The Britannica Learning Zone teaches concepts such as geography, time, shapes, numbers, and reinforces relevant vocabulary, all in a fun and safe online environment. There is also an area where students can demonstrate their creativity and practice what they've learned.”  I definitely recommend this site to all K-2 teachers.

NovelList K-8- “an online readers' advisory tool aimed at elementary and middle school students. NoveList K-8 helps readers find new books based on books they've read or on topics in which they are interested. NoveList provides enhanced subject access to over 46,000 fiction titles and full-text book reviews or annotations from trusted sources. A Teacher Resources page provides materials that will guide faculty to new titles and new ways for translating curriculum standards into classroom action.”

These databases aren’t new to Galileo, but don’t forget that they are available:

Encyclopedia Britannica Online Elementary School Edition

Encyclopedia of Animals- Has information about animals and habitats

Kids InfoBits- Magazine articles and reference materials for students in kindergarten through grade five.

New Georgia Encyclopedia- A great resource if you teach Georgia history

Professional Development Collection- You can read full-text articles from 500 journals that cover topics related to Education.

Searchasaurus- database for elementary students

You can access most of the databases that are intended for elementary students on the Research page of the Media Center website.  There is also a link to Galileo.  Keep in mind that you need the Galileo password to access it from home.  If you don’t know where to find the password, let me know.