There are numerous reference resources on the Internet. This page lists some of the ones that are safe for students. No longer do you need a set of an encyclopedia at home to do that report on the American Revolution or the solar system. You can find Atlas with all kinds of maps that can be printed, or use an on-line dictionary to find the spelling or meaning of a word. The resources/links are listed by topic. This page is a work in progress and more resources will be added.
Alabama Virtual Library: AVL is our number one choice in on-line references because of its numerous resources. The resources are listed by grade level and subject. It includes an easy-to-use search tool, encyclopedias and biographical dictionary. However, you need a user name and password that can be obtained from any public library or school library in Alabama.
Info-Please: All-in-one encyclopedia, almanac, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, and biography reference! Contains brief information on the people, places, things and events in our world, from sports to science, countries to holidays, and just about everything in between.
Fact Monster: reference center that is searchable by keyword or subject. The site is colorful, eye-catching, and easy to use. Included are instructions for citing the site and a Homework Center section.
Kidspace at The Internet Public Library: Kid friendly, safe Internet search
The Biographical Dictionary Provides concise facts about thousands of notable figures from ancient times to the present day
Alabama Archives for Kids: Visit the site to learn interesting facts about Alabama.
Celebrity Almanac: Did you know that Tom Cruise’s real name is Thomas Cruise Mapother IV? Find out lots of biographical facts about your favorite celebrities like birthdays and their favorite movies and music. Then look at pictures and autographs.
Kids Almanac: This site is the answer, if you need an answer to a factual question, or just want to brows through some interesting information. This is a great place to start your search on a topic. It has all the contents of a good almanac, organized and this is a great place to start. All the contents of a good almanac, organized and written for kids! It is provided by Yahooligans
World Almanac for Kids on-line:This site is the answer, if you need an answer to a factual question, or just want to brows through.
Dictionary: The best on-line dictionary for definition because it combines several dictionary with one search engine.
Internet Picture Dictionary: This dictionary will help you with your words because it has pictures! There are also interactive activities: flashcards, fill-in-the-blank and word scrambles. There are also picture dictionaries in other languages: French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Word Central: Merriam-Webster Student Dictionary
Glossary of Internet Terms: Here is the place to find computer/technology terms and their meaning.
Idiom Site: Are you having a "bad hair day"? Or do you know someone who is "not playing with a full deck"? Find the meanings and origins of common idioms on this site.
Math Dictionary: An animated, interactive dictionary for students which explains over 500 common mathematical terms in simple language.
The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Features search for words - not browsing, find word meaning, pronunciation guide.
All Words: Defines all words in the English language as well as translate them into - Dutch. English, French, Italian, Spanish. There is also links to translate words in 27 languages, word games and writing tools.
The Britannica Concise:This encyclopedia has more than 25,000 short, concise articles. Very easy to use.
Encarta Online Encyclopedia: On-line version of Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia
Monster Facts: Fact Monster is a reference center that is searchable by keyword or subject. The site is colorful, eye catching, and easy to use. Included are instructions for citing the site and a Homework Center section.
Encyclopedia Smithsonian helps answer frequently asked questions about the Smithsonian with links to resources on subjects from Art to Zoology.
High-Beam: Free on-line encyclopedia