Articles for Kids’ Research Projects
What are the three main types of rocks?
Rocks are like the Earth's building blocks, and they come in three main types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Igneous rocks start as super hot liquid rock called magma or lava. When they cool down, they become solid. Rocks like granite and basalt are igneous. You can often find them near volcanoes.
Sedimentary rocks are made when tiny pieces of stuff like minerals and plants pile up over a long time and get squished together. Some examples are limestone and sandstone. Sometimes, you can even find fossils in them, which tell us about the Earth's past.
Metamorphic rocks change from other rocks because of lots of heat, pressure, or special liquids. They don't melt into magma, but they do transform. Rocks like marble and slate are metamorphic.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “What are the three main types of rocks?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 21 June 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about rocks, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about geology (the study of rocks).
Websites for Kids about Rocks
If you are looking for facts about butterflies, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
One Geology Kids: The OneGeology Kids pages are for young children under 10 years old and all young budding geologists out there. Investigate what geology is all about, from dinosaurs and volcanoes to water and energy. These pages are aimed at younger children as a basic and fun introduction to geology around the world.
Website: Rocks and Minerals
American Museum of Natural History - If Rocks Could Talk: The "Three Types of Rock" page on the American Museum of Natural History's OLogy website offers an educational overview of the three main rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. It explains that igneous rocks form from melted rock deep within the Earth, sedimentary rocks form from compressed layers of sand, silt, and organic material, and metamorphic rocks form from existing rocks transformed by heat and pressure. The page includes descriptions and images of various rock examples.
Website: Three Types of Rock
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
Where are the rainforests?
Jun 14
Written By Tina Brigham
A rainforest is a special kind of forest where it rains a lot and stays warm all year round, usually around 80°F. You can find rainforests near the equator, and they are home to many unique plants and animals. In rainforests, plants grow big and tall because they love the warm, wet, and sunny weather. Some trees can even reach up to 200 feet tall, making them the tallest plants in the world!
The plants in the rainforest provide food for many animals, like monkeys, birds, and leaf-cutter ants. With so many leaves and branches, it can be hard for animals to see each other, so they make lots of noise to communicate and stay safe. Some animals have bright colors to warn predators that they are poisonous, while others use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings.
Rainforests are important for our planet because they provide homes for thousands of plants and animals, and they also help to create oxygen for us to breathe. That's why many people are working hard to protect rainforests around the world.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “Where are the rainforests?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 4 June 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about rainforests, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about ecology.
Websites for Kids about Rainforests
If you are looking for facts about butterflies, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
Rainforest Alliance Kids' Corner: The Rainforest Alliance Kids' Corner is specifically designed for young learners and provides educational resources about rainforests and the importance of conservation. It includes games, quizzes, and activities that teach kids about the biodiversity of rainforests and the threats they face.
National Geographic Kids - Rainforest Habitat: This website offers a wealth of information about rainforests in a format that is engaging and easy for kids to understand. It includes articles, videos, and interactive features that cover topics such as rainforest plants and animals, conservation efforts, and the importance of rainforests to the planet.
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
What is a fungus?
Jun 3
Written By Tina Brigham
Fungus is the word we use for one piece of fungi. Fungi look a bit like plants, but they're very different.
Most fungi make spores, which are like tiny seeds. These spores leave the fungus and grow into new fungi when they find a place to live.
Unlike plants, fungi can't make their own food. They get their food from things around them. Fungi release enzymes that help break down food, and then they absorb it.
Some fungi help break down dead plants, which helps the environment. But some fungi feed on living things. This can be bad for plants.
You might have heard of mushrooms – they're a part of fungi that you can see. But most of the fungus is hidden underground.
Fungi come in many forms, and they live all over the world. Scientists have found about 144,000 kinds of fungi. They think there could be even more that we haven't discovered yet!
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “What is a fungus?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 3 June 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about fungi, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about microorganisms and algae.
Websites for Kids about Fungi
If you are looking for facts about butterflies, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
National Geographic Kids - Scientist Superheroes Fight Killer Fungus: This article tells the fascinating story of how a deadly fungal disease called white-nose syndrome has killed some seven million bats since 2006, and the mold continues to spread today..
Britannica Kids-Fungus: This article tells where fungi grow, its behavior, physical features, harmful effects, and more.
Website: Britannica Kids - Fungus
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
When is the summer solstice?
Jun 3
Written By Tina Brigham
The summer solstice is a special day that usually happens around June 21st in the Northern Hemisphere. It's the longest day of the year, meaning the sun stays up in the sky for the most time on that day. After the summer solstice, the days start to get shorter again until we reach the winter solstice in December.
People all around the world celebrate the summer solstice with festivals and traditions. Some gather to watch the sunrise, while others have outdoor parties to enjoy the extra daylight. It's a joyful time marking the official start of summer.
Nature is vibrant during this time, with flowers blooming and trees lush with green leaves. The summer solstice brings a sense of warmth and energy to people, making it a cherished day of celebration.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “When is the summer solstice?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 3 June 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about the summer solstice, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about nature.
Website for Kids about the Summer Solstice
If you are looking for facts about the summer solstice, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here is a suggestion:
Britannica Kids: Provides a comprehensive overview of the solstice, including images, videos, and interactive content.
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?
May 30
Written By Tina Brigham
Butterflies start their journey as tiny eggs laid by a mother butterfly on a leaf. After a few days, the eggs hatch, and out comes a caterpillar. This stage is called the larva stage, where the caterpillar munches on leaves and grows bigger. As it grows, the caterpillar sheds its skin several times.
Once the caterpillar is fully grown, it forms a protective shell called a chrysalis or pupa. Inside the chrysalis, it undergoes a magical transformation. After some time, a beautiful butterfly emerges with colorful wings. This is the adult stage.
Adult butterflies don't live very long. They fly around, mate, and lay eggs before they pass away, starting the cycle anew. And so, the amazing journey of a butterfly's life continues, from egg to caterpillar to butterfly, bringing joy and beauty to the world.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “How does a caterpillar become a butterfly?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 30 May 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about how caterpillars become butterflies, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about insects.
Websites for Kids about Butterflies
If you are looking for facts about butterflies, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
National Geographic Kids - Butterflies: This site offers fascinating facts and stunning photos of butterflies, making it engaging and educational for kids.
San Diego Zoo - Fascinating Butterfly Facts: San Diego Zoo Kids features engaging stories and facts about butterflies, along with vibrant photos and videos.
Scholastic Let’s Find Out - A Caterpillar Grows Up: Scholastic provides detailed information and activities related to butterflies, perfect for school projects and curious minds.
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
Why do people go camping?
May 9
Written By Tina Brigham
Camping is a fun outdoor activity where people spend time in nature. During the day, campers enjoy hiking, fishing, or swimming. At night, they gather around a campfire to eat and tell stories. Some sleep under the stars in tents, while others use different shelters like RVs or cars. Campers choose campsites that suit their needs, often in public campgrounds or wild areas.
Setting up camp involves finding safe, dry ground and pitching tents. Campers collect kindling and wood to build campfires for warmth and chatting. They pack clothes for the weather, lanterns for light, matches for starting fires, and food, water, and dishes for meals. Chairs and tables make campsites feel like home.
Campers prioritize safety by avoiding flood-prone areas, keeping food secured, controlling campfires, carrying maps and first aid kits, and being aware of local wildlife. They also leave their campsites cleaner than they found them, respecting nature's beauty.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “Why do people go camping?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 9 May 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about camping, start your search in the 700s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about outdoor activities.
Websites for Kids about Camping
If you are looking for facts about camping, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
National Geographic Kids - Camping: National Geographic Kids provides educational content about various topics, including camping. Their camping section offers articles, tips, and interactive activities designed for kids to learn about camping skills, outdoor safety, and nature exploration.
Website: National Geographic Kids - Camping
National Park Service - Camping with Kids: The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The National Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Website: Camping with Kids
These websites offer a range of resources and activities to help kids learn about camping, outdoor skills, and nature exploration in a fun and engaging way. Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
Why do owls sleep during the day?
May 8
Written By Tina Brigham
Owls are fascinating birds known for their unique features. With flat faces and hooked beaks, they are skilled hunters in the night. Their large eyes cannot move, so owls must turn their heads to see around them. Although their ears are hard to see, they have amazing hearing abilities, much better than humans.
Being nocturnal creatures, owls are most active at night. Their sharp senses help them hunt in the dark for prey like mice. During the bright days, owls find it challenging to hunt, so they rest and conserve energy. Also, many of their prey animals are hiding during the day, making hunting less successful.
Despite being quiet hunters, owls use various sounds to communicate. They hoot, snort, hiss, screech, whistle, and even clap their wings to talk to each other. Owls are truly remarkable creatures of the night!
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “Why do owls sleep during the day?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 6 May 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about owls, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about birds.
Websites for Kids about Owls
If you are looking for facts about owls, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
National Geographic Kids - Owls: National Geographic Kids provides informative articles about various animals, including owls. Their owl section offers fun facts, photos, and videos suitable for kids.
San Diego Zoo Kids - Owl Facts: San Diego Zoo Kids provides educational resources about animals, including owls. Their owl facts section offers information about owl adaptations, hunting techniques, and conservation.
Website: San Diego Zoo Kids - Owl Facts
Time for Kids - All About Owls: Time for Kids offers educational resources and content for children. Unlock a world of exciting stories. Start reading the news!
Website: Time for Kids - All About Owls
These websites offer a variety of kid-friendly resources for learning about owls, including fun facts, photos, videos, and interactive content.
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
What makes a rainbow?
May 5
Written By Tina Brigham
Rainbows are colorful arcs that appear in the sky after it rains. They are made of light and water. When sunlight shines through raindrops, it bends, or refracts, and splits into different colors. These colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
Have you ever noticed that rainbows always form in the sky opposite the sun? That's because sunlight has to shine through raindrops from behind you to make a rainbow. So, if the sun is behind you and it's raining in front of you, there's a good chance you'll see a rainbow!
Sometimes, you might see two rainbows at once! The second rainbow is fainter and appears outside the main one. It's called a double rainbow. The colors in the double rainbow are in reverse order compared to the main rainbow.
People have loved rainbows for a long time. Some cultures believe they are a sign of good luck or hope. Scientists study rainbows to understand more about light and how it works. Next time you see a rainbow, remember it's not just pretty—it's a special sight full of colors and science!
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “What makes a rainbow?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 5 May 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about the rainbows, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about science.
Websites for Kids about Rainbows
If you are looking for facts about rainbows, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
“Rainbow.” National Geographic Education, https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/rainbow/
“Rainbow.” Brittanica Kids, https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/rainbow/400160
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
What plants grow in water?
Apr 25
Written By Tina Brigham
Plants that have learned to live in water are called aquatic plants. Slow-flowing rivers and shallow lakes are often packed with all kinds of aquatic plants.Some are hidden underwater. Some float on the surface. Some grow up, or emerge, out of the water.
Plants that are totally underwater can last through colder weather. These plants don’t need much light. Some examples of underwater plants are eelgrass and banana plants.
Floating plants, like water lilies and water poppies, stay on the surface. Floating plants can have air pockets in their leaves. Or they can have leaves that turn up at the edges so that they float like boats.
Plants that grow out of the water, such as hibiscuses and reeds, are called emergents. They have roots planted firmly in the mud on the bottom of the lake or river. Many emergents have woody stalks and flower blossoms.
To survive in water, aquatic plants have special features. Their roots act as anchors. Their leaves must float, or be feathery so the water can flow through them. Aquatic plants are hardy and provide oxygen to the water.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “What plants grow in water?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 26 April 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about the plants, start your search in the 500s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about science.
Websites for Kids about Aquatic Plants
If you are looking for facts about plants, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
“Ocean Habitat.” National Geographic Kids, https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/nature/habitats/article/ocean
“Water Plant.” Brittanica Kids, https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/water-plant/277674
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
What does the Statue of Liberty stand for?
Apr 23
Written By Tina Brigham
The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France. It came to the United States by boat in 1885. It honors the friendship between the two countries.
Some people call the Statue “Lady Liberty.” It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom.
Newcomers to America can see the Statue from far away. The copper Statue is very tall. It is 305 feet (93 meters) high. It welcomes people to the United States.
Lady Liberty wears a crown with seven spikes—one for each continent of the world. It holds a torch that lights the way to freedom. It holds a book with the date the United States declared independence: July 4, 1776.
Many people visit the Statue each year. Visitors can stand inside the crown and see out into the harbor. The Statue of Liberty stands for hope. It welcomes all people!
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “What does the Statue of Liberty stand for?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 23 April 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about the Statue of Liberty, start your search in the 900s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about history and geography.
Websites for Kids about the Statue of Liberty
If you are looking for facts about the Statue of Liberty, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
Noe, Kathryn. “Statue of Liberty: 1886.” Ben Guide,
bensguide.gpo.gov/the-american-flag/35-age-4/apprentice-symbols-of-usgovernment/
“Statue of Liberty | Virtual Tour.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the
Interior, www.nps.gov/hdp/exhibits/stli/stli_tour.html.
“Statue of Liberty.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,
kids.britannica.com/kids/article/Statue-of-Liberty/353383.
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
Apr 16
Written By Tina Brigham
How are computers used to communicate?
Computers have changed how we talk to each other. They brought us email, social media, online chats, and video calls. With the Internet, we can talk to people and get answers fast.
Email is like sending letters, but faster. It's used a lot in businesses. You can send one message to lots of people at once. Instant messaging is even faster than email. You can talk right away as soon as you type a message.
Social media, like Facebook, helps us stay connected. We can share what's happening in our lives with lots of people at the same time. There's a tool to make event invites easy, so no more paperwork.
Video calls help businesses work better. People can work together on projects even if they're far away. Sometimes, job interviews can happen on video calls instead of in person.
Computers also changed how we buy things. With a computer, a person can make purchases without talking to a salesperson. We can place an order online and wait for it to come to our door.
Citation Data
Author: Tina Brigham; Title: “How are computers used to communicate with others?”; Website: www.askaschoollibrarian.com; Publish date: 16 April 2024
Research for Kids
If you are looking for facts about how computers are used to communicate with others, start your search in the 300s section of the library. For your elementary research project, you may like to explore this section to find out about social interaction.
Websites for Kids about Computers and Communication
If you are looking for facts about how computers have changed the way people communicate, you can look at a website on the Internet. Here are some suggestions:
Who Invented Email? https://www.who-invented-the.technology/email.htm
Should Kids Have Smartphones? https://www.timeforkids.com/g34/should-kids-have-smartphones-g3/
Comment below any other books or websites you have found for this kids’ research topic.
