Databases and Resources for Grades 5-8
Computers/Technology
Learning Express: Popular Software Tutorials
Learn to use the most popular software programs from Microsoft Office, along with Adobe Photoshop, and the Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
General/Multi-Topic
Explora Middle School
Designed specifically for middle school, Explora Middle School is a full-text database of popular magazines, reference books, and primary sources covering many subjects, including history, science, and health. It also includes over a million photos, maps, and flags.
Learning Express: Grades 4-8 Educator Resources
The resources here can help students and educators in elementary and middle school prepare for important tests, get extra help with assignments, and boost their skills in important subjects.
Newspaper Source Plus
Full text coverage of major newspapers, videos, and podcasts covering critical news topics.
World Book Discover
Designed for high-interest, low reading level content, this tool is useful for new readers of English.
World Book Student
Encyclopedia content designed for students in middle grades. Tailored for students in elementary and middle schools, Student includes all the articles from the print versions of the World Book Encyclopedia, plus thousands of additional articles, learning resources, and research tools.
Health
Nutrition and Well-Being A to Z
Examine the relationship between food and health on a historical, national and personal level. It analyzes how nutrition has affected quality of life, health and fitness in various countries at different times in history.
History
American Decades (1900-1999)
A cross-disciplinary source for junior and high school users who need to analyze periods of contemporary American social history.
History Reference Source
Full text content of historical documents, biographies of historical figures, photos, maps, video, and other history reference materials.
Idaho: The Gem State
This book offers a comprehensive look at Idaho covering the history, geography, government, economy, and people of this state. The informative text is complemented by stunning images, useful tables, maps, timelines, and fun facts.
Literature/Reading
Literary Reference Source
Provides information on thousands of authors and their works across literary disciplines and timeframes.
Novelist Plus K-8
For readers in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Find fiction and non-fiction reading recommendations by book titles, author, genre, series, or key plot points. Ready-to-go read-alike lists for popular titles.
Science/Math
Encyclopedia of Science, Technology, and Ethics
This encyclopedia considers both the professional ethics of science and technology, and the ethical and political issues raised by science and technology in an increasingly complex and global society. This broad coverage supports the numerous courses in applied and professional ethics and policy related to the practice of science and technology in education.
Grzimek’s Animal Life Encyclopedia
Features articles that familiarize readers with animals found everywhere on the globe, detailing their life cycles, predators, food systems, overall ecology, and much more.
UXL Encyclopedia of Science
This resource provides information on scientific theories, life forms, inventions, controversies, and discoveries.
UXL Encyclopedia of Weather & Natural Disasters
Includes content covering weather basics, climate, natural disasters, the effects of human activities on the weather, and advances in new technology.
Social Science
Cities of the United States
Provides vital information on 199 of America’s top cities. City-specific profiles organize pertinent facts and data.
Encyclopedia of Food and Culture
Articles on food and its place in human culture and society. Find entries on everything from food preparation, distribution, holidays, cultures, nutrition, and health.
Human Geography: People and the Environment
Provides insight into both regional and global issues by addressing fundamental and advanced topics critical to the study of human geography with special emphasis on exploring the impact of human habitation and economic activity on the environment.
UXL Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes
Provides detailed studies of tribes from all over the United States and Canada, including small tribes and some that no longer exist. Gives detailed yet accessible information on history, religion, art, government, economy, daily life and current social and political issues.
Sports
Notable Sports Figures
Takes a close look at the people in sports who have captured attention because of their success on the playing field or controversy off the playing field.