#4

SIRS Discoverer
I looked up armadillos on the SIRS Discoverer database. I was impressed with the colorful graphics which made finding what you are looking for easy.  If the article had pictures with it or what reading level, if it was a reference, magazine or newspaper article were all very easy to tell. I then looked up Ireland under the countries tab. I discovered a brief but very informative facts as well as a map and picture of the countries flag. With just a click the map and flag both enlarged. Clicking on the learn more link took me to many different articles relevant to the country. Next I looked up the map of the United States under the maps tab.  I was suprised to find it not only had all the states individually but contained maps such as Earthquake Hazard Map. All in all it was a very good resource, especially if kids need articles from somewhere other than the internet.

SIRS Issues Researcher
I would just like to say first, I wish I had something like this to help me when I was in school! I know my parents would have appreciated it too! Especially my father who came up with most of my paper topics for me :) I thought the current issues was absolutely fantastic. I picked teen automobile drivers because my twins are newly 14 and taking drivers education this spring.  There was a great pro/con question, overview of the topic, and many many articles. It was also easy to distinguish between newspapers, magazines and reference. The lexile scores were readily available to help with what article would be best for the grade level. After this I looked at the research tools. Of course I picked English Lit my favorite topic. There were several articles available to look at all with lexile levels and easy icons to let me know if it was on the web or from a newspaper or magazine.  I especially liked the ithink tutor! How easy for a kid to have help writing a paper!

Learning Express Library # 3

I was very excited to learn about the Learning Express Library Database.  It is a fantastic resource for school age through adult. First I set up an account which was super easy. Then I chose to answer some answers on the SAT Critical Reading Practice Test.  I liked the way the clock was in clear view so I knew how much time I had left. I was also pleasantly suprised to find out I had answered the questions right :)  I then went to Writing Skills for the Workplace and added it to my center. I went through part of it and there was very helpful information.  I decided to use the search box to type in a career I was interested in. This part I was a little dissapointed in. I typed in dermatologist first with no results, then tried medicine and medical and physician all to no results. I finally typed in MCAT and many results came up for practice tests and study books. I decided to go to the career center and use that to look up a medical career, this was at least a little more helpful. The last thing I did was find an ebook called Write Your Way Into College: College Admissions Essay. I was suprised to find the entire book online.  Overall as a mother of twins who will be graduating from high school in just a few short years, I was very excited about this website.  Practice ACT tests and books, how to write college addmission essay and many more things in this database will be very helpful.

Chilton/Mango

The first part of the challenge I did was the Chilton database. I would have to say Chilton was a little challenging to me! Not because it was difficult to navigate the database but because I don't know anything about cars, including my own :) I needed to put in what kind of car I had and that part was easy, because I know it is a 2005 Chrysler 300. However, when I got to the maintenance schedule I needed to make some more choices about my car. I spent way too much time deciding between the options and even tried to google my car to see if I could figure out the differences. Finally I decided to pick C. Picking C then brought up more choices I did not know! My car does not drive good in the snow so I said it was rear wheel drive and as I have no idea what operating condition means I just said normal.
When I finally reached the maintenance page it was impressive. (Even though I have no idea what any of the things it recommends meant!) It recommended at 30,000 miles I get brake hoses, ICV joints, R engine air filter and other things checked. I did like the fact there was a handy print button, so if I wanted I could take the list to someone who does know what they are doing. I was also nice to have an arrow forward and back to go ahead or back at 6000 mile increments.  Even though I did not have any idea what the maintenance schedule was talking about, this part of the challenge did remind me I think its time for an oil change!

The most recent technical service bulletin on my car was on June 1, 2004. It was regarding the tire and loading information label. Some of the labels said the car was equipped with a full size spare tire and instead they have a compact spare tire. From there I looked at the repair tab about brakes for my car. I got into the anti-lock brake system and again had absolutely no idea what any of it meant! I did however watch one of the fun videos provided. I am very convinced after doing this challenge, even though the database is easy to navigate, it would take someone who knows about cars to get anything out of it!

The next part of the challenge was the Mango part. Mango is updating their dashboard and the choices were to use the old one or try the new one. I decided to try out the new one. Because it was a whole new look it took me a minute to discover which buttons meant what. When it was time to choose a language I decided to try Scottish Gaelic because I am currently reading the Outlander series by Diana Galbadon.  There really wasn't any information about the culture. ( I may have not been looking in the right place!) I did learn about 100,000 people speak the language and it is spoken in the United Kingdom, Canada and United States. In my first lesson I learned to say hello (latha math) which is basically good day. I did like how easy it was to follow, the option of turning the voice on or off and fun voice comparison where you can record your voice and see how well you are doing. One thing I was suprised to find is there are masculine and feminine words in the language.
I think Mango is a great way for someone traveling to another country or just interested in languages in general to learn the basics.