Online Resource of the Month - February 2003

Each month, your SDPL features one of our online premium resources, paid for by SDPL, and available at the locations indicated.

What is Facts on File?
Facts on File includes four unique sources:

• a general science resource for ages 12 and above, Science Online; along with a handbook to science experiments with diagrams;
• an archive of over 1,200 original documents from American history, now called American History Online.
• a collection of print-ready commonly used forms for personal and business use; Forms on File.
• and Homework/Curriculum materials for K-5 and 6-12, Curriculum Resource Centers.

When Should I Use Facts on File?
There are four main subject areas addressed by Facts on File:

• Science - use this to answer background questions about science topics, including: life sciences, physical sciences, and earth sciences. A handbook of science experiments is separately available. Also, there are science experiments, information on inventions, and diagrams available.
• Historical documents - consider using this to supplement research on U.S. history and contemporary issues. Included are Charters, Court Decisions, Debates, Editorials, Legislation, Platforms, Reports, Sermons, Speeches, Treaties, and many other types of documents dating back to 1492. All documents include an explanatory introduction and links to related documents. The archive is supplemented by timelines, biographies, and images.
• Forms - use this to obtain sample forms for matters such as education, finance, health & social services, military/veteran affairs, property, rental, and more. Note: For forms which will be submitted to a government agency, we recommend obtaining those directly from that agency.
• Curriculum Resource Centers - the Curriculum Resource Centers are available for Grades K-5 and 6-12, and contains an expansive collection of printable, curriculum-related handouts, including people and events in history, maps and flags, timelines, science diagrams, science projects, job profiles, and selected Web links. Though designed for teachers, it has materials that learners and students will find useful. All of the materials can be printed and used as overheads or for testing.

Note: Many documents in Facts on File require Adobe Acrobat Reader (free). Also, links to Web sites from within Facts on File have been selected by the vendor.

Explore question:
Find an example of environmental legislation from the 19th Century. (Landmark Documents)
Try and find out if a mushroom is a plant, and why. (Science Online)
See if you can find a rental agreement for equipment. (Forms on File)