Animal Research

Welcome! Use this list of resources to get started on your animal research project.  Remember to use RAD forms!

  • You will need to find specific information about your animal. Make sure you check the directions to make sure you are finding everything you need.

  • Later, you will be creating a PowerPoint slide show about your animal. Make sure you check the directions before you begin.

***If you have a question, try going to the 6th Grade Science Moodle and clicking on "Animal Project Help." You can ask your question there and Ms. Harris, Ms. Bright or your classmates can answer it for you.

Bibliography Information:

Bibliography Directions

Bibliography Sample

Image/Picture Search ideas:

Before you Google, try...

  • One or more of the places you used for notes.
    • Animal Diversity Web, Britannica and the zoo sites work well.
  • Picsearch.org
  • AP Images
  • Remember, Google images can give results you really, really, really don't want to see. So try Google as a last resort.

Power Point information:

Power Point instructional movies on Atomic Learning (at home, log in using the "usual" username and password for databases).

Power Point 2004 Intro (on a MAC)

Power Point 2004 Advanced (on a MAC)

Research Requirements:

  • You will need to complete a minimum of 4 RAD forms (one of them will be for the notes you took at Northwest Trek).
  • You should choose a variety of information sources to use for your research and you must choose sources that are the BEST information you can find about your animal. Look for information from trusted, recommended sources. MUSEUMS, ZOOS, LIBRARIES, UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES are great bets!
  • DO NOT use Wikipedia!
  • Ask for help or suggestions when you get stuck and use the feedback you are given on your RAD forms.

Recommended Research Resources:

1. Check the LIBRARY CATALOG and search for one or more of the following terms:

    • animal
    • your animal’s class (mammal, reptile, bird)
    • The name or names of animals you are researching. Also try the scientific name.
    • Northwest Animals

NOTE: This might not always work because your animal may not have a book of its own.

If a book is available, check the shelves where it is found. You will find many more animal books in the same area.

2. Browse the SHELVES

Check the 500’s section of the library shelves.

  • 500: General Science
  • 590: Animals
  • 592: Invertebrates
  • 595.4: Spiders
  • 595.7: Insects
  • 597: Fish
  • 597.8: Amphibians
  • 597.9: Reptiles
  • 598: Birds
  • 599: Mammals

3. Check the REFERENCE SECTION

Check the 500’s section in the reference area.

  • You’ll find excellent science encyclopedias such as
    • Grzimek’s Student Animal Life Resource
    • Gale Encyclopedia of Science

4. ASK FOR HELP

If you get stuck, ask for help. Don’t be shy. We are here to help you!!!

Database Resources (You will need your Pink Sheet for passwords)

Science Resource Center

eLibrary

Britannica Online

Oxford Reference Online

The National Science Digital Library

Other Resources: DO NOT go to Google, Ask or any other search engine before you have used all books in the library, databases or the sites below. If you think you need to "google," check with Ms. Harris or Ms. Bright FIRST!

Nature Mapping Fact Sheets

This web site from the University of Washington has fact sheets on many Northwest animals. Also visit the Resource section and scroll to the bottom... there are many links to online field guides for tons of animals.

Northwest Trek

You can find excellent information on your animal here, especially if you did not go to Northwest Trek.

Woodland Park Zoo: Seattle, Washington

Visit one of our local zoos to get information about animals in their care. Check out the Animal Facts section to find information on your animal or get ideas for your research.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium: Tacoma, Washington

Tacoma’s local zoo has some interesting animals. Check out the site and click on the Animals and Exhibits link to find out what animals are at the zoo.

Animal Diversity Web from the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology

This is a great site for exploring animals to study and to get information on the animal you choose. You can explore different animal families or search for a specific animal you are interested in. Facts, pictures and sometimes even video of the animal are included.

Science and Nature: Animals from the BBC

This is another great site for exploring animals to study or to find great facts on your animal.  Use the links to explore. Check out the Wildfacts link to search for a specific animal or get more ideas.

Animals, etc. from the Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The National Zoo web site has great information about animals at the zoo. Use the Animal Index to look for your animal, or explore the site to get ideas for your research.

Switch Zoo

JUST FOR FUN!! (Don’t let us catch you on this site during research time!) When you’re all done your research and you need a break, check this fun site out. Click on an animal to get started and then use parts from different animals to build your own creation.