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 Presentation slide show in Tarrier Apps about your animal. Make sure you check the directions before you begin.

Important Handouts:

Research Requirements:

  • You will need to complete a minimum of 4 RAD forms. One MUST be from a print source and one MUST be from a recommended internet source. The other two may be from either print or recommended internet sources.
  • 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 experts. Use the recommended sources. MUSEUMS, ZOOS, LIBRARIES, UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES are great sources!
  • DO NOT use Wikipedia! or other sites like Wikipedia. Ask if you aren't sure!
  • 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 (The username and password for all the databases can be found here. )

Science in Context

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! We will help you decide what to do.

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.

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
  • Remember, Google images can give results you really, really, really don't want to see. So try Google as a last resort.

Presentation information:

  • You will using a TarrierApps Presentation to create your animal presentation. Stay tuned for more info....