Explore Digital Libraries and Build Amazing Research Projects

Digital libraries are online collections of books, magazines, videos, and other materials that you can access using a computer or tablet. You can search for information about butterflies, volcanoes, animals, or any topic that interests you.

These special websites help you find reliable sources for your research projects. You can read books online, watch educational videos, and find articles written by experts who know a lot about your topic.

You start by typing keywords about your topic into the search box. If you're researching desert animals, you might type "desert lizards" or "animals in hot places." The digital library will show you books and articles about your topic.

You can look at different types of materials like picture books, videos, and articles. Research Using Multiple Sources teaches you why using different kinds of sources makes your research stronger.

When you find helpful information, you need to take notes about the important facts you discover. You might learn that kangaroo rats live in deserts and don't need to drink water, or that butterflies need specific flowers in gardens.

You should collect information from several different sources to make sure your facts are correct. Basic Note Taking and Citations shows you how to write down what you learn and remember where you found it.

Research: The process you use to search for and collect information about a topic you want to learn about.

Sources: The places where you find information, like books, websites, videos, or articles.

Notes: The important facts and details you write down when you're learning about your topic.

Topic: The subject or main idea that you're studying and want to learn more about.

Facts: True information that you can prove and use in your research projects.

Draft: Your first practice version of writing before you make it perfect.

Revise: When you read your writing and make it clearer and better.

Organizing: Putting your ideas and information in the right order so others can understand.

Evidence: The proof and facts you found during your research to support your ideas.

Publishing: When you share your finished work with your classmates, teacher, or family.

You can start by choosing a topic that interests you, like animals you saw at the zoo or plants in your garden. Then you can search digital libraries to find books and videos about your topic.

Practice taking notes by writing down three interesting facts from each source you find. Shared Research Writing Projects helps you work with others to create amazing research presentations.

Before you explore digital libraries, you should know how to use a computer and type simple words. You also need to understand what makes information reliable and trustworthy.

Is This Information Reliable teaches you how to tell if the facts you find are accurate and helpful for your research projects.

This topic connects to many other research skills you'll learn. Gathering Information From Sources Taking Notes From shows you specific ways to collect and organize facts from your digital library searches.

Note Taking and Source Documentation helps you keep track of where you found your information. Research Info Literacy Evaluate Sources teaches you how to choose the best sources for your projects.

After you master digital libraries, you'll be ready for Research Info Literacy Validity Check and Research Recording Information Sources. These skills help you become an expert researcher who can find and use reliable information for any project.