Welcome!  This page will help you research your emergency plan for an infectious disease.  If you need extra help with research, you can contact Ms. Buck using the 7th grade Edmodo group.  It’s a good idea to keep EasyBib open in one tab while you use another tab to research, so that you can quickly record the sources you’ve used as you go!

Remember that your search is only as good as the keywords you use!  Here is a web page with some tips on keyword searching.  If you’re not finding the information you need, take a look and see if it helps.

Online Databases

Try these online databases for quick access to credible information from magazines, newspapers, books, articles, videos, and podcasts.  For more information about online databases, read What is a Database and Why Should I Care?

• Britannica School – Reading level – easy, medium, or hard – This database is like an encyclopedia (think of World Book).  You can find an article with basic information, but if you click the tabs up top you will also find website links, images, and related topics.  You can pick the reading level that’s most comfortable for you.
• Gale CENGAGE Science in Context – Reading level – medium-hard – This database gathers articles from news, magazine, and encyclopedia articles as well as pictures, videos, and podcasts.  Search for your topic using a keyword.  Consider combining keywords like “influenza” and “preparedness” or “prevention.”  The reading level of these articles varies a lot so check several sources before you give up!
• Grolier databases – Reading level – easy – This searches five different databases for articles related to your topic.  You can get some good basic information, pictures, and web links here.  The reading level here is easier.
• World Almanac for Kids Online – Reading level – easy – This is another encyclopedia with general information about each disease.  The articles are easy reading but the information is not as detailed.
• Maps101 – Reading level – NA – “But Ms. Buck,” you might say, “We’re not in Individuals and Societies!  How come you have a link to a database of maps here?”  Well, I will tell you why.  There are some great maps that show the spread of different epidemics throughout history.  Just use the name of your disease as a keyword!
• SIRS Issues Researcher – Reading level – hard – Use a keyword search to find information about your topic.  This database includes information from newspapers, magazines, and government documents as well as images, graphs, and charts.  The reading level of most articles is advanced.
• SIRS Discoverer – Reading level – medium – Find information from encyclopedias, magazines, newspapers, and multimedia.
• World Book Online – Reading level – easy, medium, or hard – The online version of the World Book encyclopedia has the most up-to-date information.  Choose kids, student, or advanced depending on your comfort level.

Databases in Spanish/Bases de Datos en Español

• Britannica Spanish Reference Center – Esta base de datos es básicamente una enciclopedia idioma español.  Encuentre información general acerca de su enfermedad.
• Enciclopedia Estudantil Hallazgos – Esta es la versión española de la World Book. Encuentre información general acerca de su enfermedad.

Web Links

• kidshealth.org – Find information about each disease and related current events, as well as prevention.  Use a keyword search to go straight to relevant information.
• kids.usa.gov – Use the search bar in the top right corner to look for information and articles related to your disease.
• nationwidechildrens.org – This website allows you to search both articles from one of the most respected networks of hospitals in the US, and other credible sites.  Use the search bar in the top right corner to find the information you need.
• cdc.gov – The US Centers for Disease Control are the pros when it comes to preventing the spread of infectious disease.  Search their site or browse to find information on specific diseases and general information on preventing the spread of infection.
• nih.gov – The US Office of Disease Prevention gives information about stopping sickness from spreading.
• who.org/ – Hey, look, a helpful alphabetical list of conditions!  The World Health Organization is the United Nations’ department in charge of world health issues.  This site gives you information about global policies that prevent the spread of infectious disease, as well as where diseases have been a problem (see links under the article for each disease).
• emergency.cdc.gov – This is the Center for Disease Control’s page on responding to disease-related emergencies.