Websites:
- ACT Prep: Test Preparation
- The U.S. and Illinois Constitution Test: TEST PREPARATION (English & Spanish) – Test is currently unavailable
Need to write your resume? Click here.resume template
Organized by Subject: (Teacher Resources are at the bottom.)
General:
RefDesk.com
Very complete site for grades 1 through college
with Google search provided.
InfoPlease.com
An advanced information site useful
for facts, statistics and current information.
Illuminations.ntcm.org
An advanced site providing mathematics
graphing and simulation tools.
CIA World Factbook
Information about history, people, government, economy, and other facts about nearly every country in the world.
Citation Guides from Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab
Use these when writing research papers to make sure your citations and format style are correct. For MLA or APA citations.
Khan Academy
Local teachers and students use this site to do practice exercises and view instructional videos in math, science, computer programming, history, art history, economics, and more. The personalized learning dashboard allows learners to track their progress and study at their own pace.
ACT Prep
ACT Prep: Many links for understanding the test and practice questions
Art & Music:
- Artcyclopedia
Search by artist, artwork, movement, medium or nationality to find works of art online and artist biographies. - Arts & Crafts @ Home for Kids
Crafting at home is a great way to keep busy and stretch the limits of your imagination.
- Metropolitan Museum of Art: Kid Zone
The Met’s Kid Zone offers interactive resources for both young children and older children. - NGA Kids
View the guided online exhibits for kids by clicking on the works of art and following the arrows, or scroll down from the main page for more adventures from the National Gallery of Art.
Biography:
- America’s Story: Meet Amazing Americans
Review biographical information about individuals that helped shape American history. From the Library of Congress. - Gallery of Achievers
View photographic images and biographical data on individuals by area where they achieved notoriety. - Notable African Americans – Infoplease
Visit this site to find short biographies of notable African Americans in alphabetical order. - Women’s International Center Biographies
View this site for an alphabetic index of notable women.
Career Resources:
- The National Career Development Association has lots of information, including some assessments to match skills and interests with potential careers
- Kids.gov and Youth.gov have resources geared toward middle school students to get them thinking about potential careers
- OCLC Webjunction has rounded up several links to online resources to aid in career exploration
Internet Safety:
- The Get Safe Online website offers numerous risk factors and ideas for safeguarding privacy, personal information, and security.
- Common Sense Media provides tips and tools by age level for parents on privacy and internet safety.
- AAA Math
Basic math site offering interactive practice, lessons and games, searchable by grade (Kindergarten through Eighth Grade) and math topic (such as addition or fractions). - ABCYa
Find fun games just right for grades K through five! - Bedtime Math
Daily math problems for mathematicians of every age. - Math Is Fun
Math activities for all ages to encourage learning by doing. - The Mint
Complete challenges to be money smart! - PurpleMath
This site created by a math teacher includes free tutorials, quizzes and worksheets. - Real Life Math
Algebra, geometry and probability explored through real-world scenarios! - Web Math
Solve any math problem immediately.
Nutrition:
- KidsHealth
Read articles, take quizzes, and watch videos about health, nutrition, and fitness. - The Super Crew for Kids
Learn healthy eating habits from the Super Crew! - My Plate: (The “New” Food Guide Pyramid)
Resources include games, activity sheets, kid-friendly recipes, and physical activity tips.
Science & Technology:
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Find information on famous inventors or discover how to become an inventor.
- Carnegie Science Center: STEMisphere
STEMisphere.org is a community resource that lists STEM-related programs, classes, events and more for kids Pre-K through Grade 12, parents, educators and partners! - Chem4Kids
Discover chemistry by learning about reactions, elements, atoms, etc. - Earth Floor
Dive into plate tectonics, geologic time, biomes and other earth-related topics. - Energy for Kids
Find out what it is, how to save it, and its history. - Hands-On Science
Quick and easy science experiments for preschoolers to high schoolers. - How Stuff Works
Learn about how all kinds of stuff works-from batteries to money to toys. - My Plate Kids’ Place
Learn to live healthy. - NASA Kids’ Club
Explore the outer limits of space. - Ology
Astronomy, paleontology, zoology and much more! - Science Buddies
Discover the perfect science fair project for you! -
Discovery Education transforms classrooms, empowers teachers and captivates students by leading the way in providing high quality, dynamic, digital content to school districts large and small.
Science Fair Projects:
- All Science Fair Projects
Visit this site for over 500 science fair project ideas sorted by area of science. - Science Buddies
Learn about steps in the scientific process along with researching science fair project ideas. -
Science Experiments for All Around Your Home Easy Ideas from around your home.
- Science Fair Central from DiscoverySchool.com
Visit the Science Fair Studio for a Handbook outlining everything you need to know about creating a science project, a list of project ideas, and a helpful bibliography on science projects. Also check out frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) and tip sheets. - Successful Science Fair Projects
Provides the sections for a science project, as well as display tips. This site was created by a science teacher and former science fair organizer and judge.
Social Studies:
- Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
Learn how our government works. - Chicago History Museum
Explore Chicago’s past, present and future. - Encyclopedia of Chicago
Determine the connection between your history fair topic and Chicago’s history. - Illinois State Museum
Discover the natural, cultural and artistic past of Illinois.
Writers’ Resources
(Find out how to cite your sources on the HCL’s Library Links Page under Citations & Style Guides)
Browse poems by popular theme
Exists to promote and protect the careers of professional horror writers and those seeking to enter their ranks
APA and MLA styles, grammar, and a whole lot more. Searchable.
SFWA is a professional organization for authors of science fiction, fantasy and related genres
Teacher Resources
Autism Spectrum Disorder:
- Sesame Street Autism Resources for Parents
- Reduce the Noise: Help Loved Ones with Sensory Overload Enjoy Shopping
- Resources for Military Families
- Academic Accommodation Resources
- Estate Planning for Parents of Special Needs Kids
AUTISM RESOURCES
Below are descriptions and links for recognized sources with information about autism.
AUTISM SPEAKS
Autism Speaks is an advocacy organization with resources for a wide range of interest groups. Autism Speaks supports research and awareness of ASD, and aims to improve the quality of life for both those with the diagnosis and their family members. Of particular interest for librarians might be their local autism resource guide, tool kits, or app suggestions. Are you looking for information about employment resources for individuals with ASD? Scroll through their tool kits. Does a parent want more information about the diagnosis? Guide them to the Autism Speaks toolkits. Explore the website to determine how you might be able to incorporate their resources into your library’s services.
AUTISM NAVIGATOR
Autism Navigator® is a unique collection of web-based tools that uses extensive video footage to bridge the gap between science and community practice.
AUTISM SOCIETY OF AMERICA
The Autism Society of America is a membership site that includes helpful resources for those with autism, family members, and professionals. Autism Society also provides updates on the latest autism news and press releases.
AUTISM SCIENCE FOUNDATION
The Autism Science Foundation’s mission is to support autism research by providing funding and other assistance to scientists and organizations conducting, facilitating, publicizing and disseminating autism research. The organization also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism.
MEDICAL AUTISM RESOURCES
Researchers continue to strive for a better understanding of the causes of ASD, and work in this area is moving forward at a rapid pace. Below are some reliable medical sources of additional information.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION
AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
Choosing and Evaluating Apps:
AMERICAN SPEECH-LANGUAGE-HEARING ASSOCIATION
- Online Buyers’ Guide – includes reviews of apps
- Applications (Apps) for Speech-Language Pathology Practice
AUTISM SPEAKS
Curriculum:
Extensive directory of links to online resources “to provide 1) balanced information concerning educational assessment and 2) resources to encourage responsible test use.”
Dyslexia:
- Bright Solutions for Dyslexia: Sharing the latest dyslexia research with those who need to know
- Decoding Dyslexia: A Parent-Led grassroots movement for dyslexia
- Dyslexia Help: Success Starts Here (University of Michigan)
- International Dyslexia Association
Dyslexia Videos:
Dyslexia Book List:
Available to borrow from other libraries in our system.
- Dyslexia Is Not a Disease – It’s a Learning Difference [2015]
- The Dyslexia Help Handbook for Parents [2014]
- Journey Into Dyslexia Packet (Kit) [2014]
- Living With Dyslexia [2014]
- Handy Health Guide to Dyslexia [2014]
Homeschooling:
Official web site of Practical Homeschooling magazine
Provides information about different curriculum, products and services offered to the homeschooling community.
Special Education & Disabilities:
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and NADDA are the two main organizations providing information about ADD and ADHD.
Practical guides for people living with learning disabilities, with tips for parents and teachers and many more topics.
CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder) and NADDA are the two main organizations providing information about ADD and ADHD.
Practical guides for people living with learning disabilities, with tips for parents and teachers and many more topics.