Once that back-to-school wardrobe is in place, classroom
assignments are a student's next mission. Whether the task involves
constructing a mission model or researching a country, Newport libraries
provide ample resources for making the grade.
Elementary and junior high school students typically face numerous
reports about the world's countries. For such assignments, "Worldmark
Encyclopedia of the Nations" includes nine volumes profiling 193
countries. Geared for fourth- through 10th-graders, the write-ups cover
climate, topography, flora, fauna, ethnic groups, languages, religions,
history, government and industry.
"Lands and Peoples," a similar six-volume set for students in fifth
grade and above, is organized geographically and updated every two years.
There's coverage of geography, culture, economy, history and government
in the articles about countries and their peoples. Sidebars highlight
political subjects, cultural events and social movements.
Students seeking information about people in specific ethnic groups
will find help in 10 volumes of "Peoples of the World." Arranged
alphabetically, the set includes descriptions of native groups covering
language, history, religion and culture.
Moving to the animal kingdom, "Encyclopedia of Mammals" features 17
volumes profiling aardvarks through zebras. Articles explore ancestry,
habits, habitats, anatomy, social structure, reproduction and survival
predictions. The final volume features indexes covering classifications,
endangered species, scientific names, and wildlife reserves and parks.
For those studying prehistoric through medieval times, 12 volumes in
"The History of the Ancient & Medieval World" cover the origins of
humanity, religions of the world, the ancient Greeks and Romans, and
medieval politics and life. Time lines, glossaries, further reading
suggestions and indexes contribute to fine coverage of primeval eras,
ancient cultures and non-European history.
There are 10 volumes dedicated to 17th and 18th century American
history in "Colonial America." Illustrations, sidebars, maps and further
reading bibliographies contribute to a user-friendly set for junior and
senior high school students.
Progressing to contemporary times, "Junior Chronicle of the 20th
Century" reconstructs the past 100 years, for history buffs age 9 and
older. Written in a "you are there" newspaper-style format, this engaging
resource chronicles fashion, events, inventions, art, science, toys and
space travel through lively time lines, color photos and reference
panels.
Mission projects are a rite of passage for local fourth-graders, who
can turn to the "Lerner's California Missions" series for assistance. In
addition to six volumes concentrating on missions in specific areas, a
"Projects & Layouts" reference details how to construct bases, walls,
towers and decorations.
To further aid students, the library urges teachers to complete an
"Assignment Alert" at least one week before assigning a project or
report. This allows staff to hold available materials in temporary
reference, for availability to the widest possible number of young
scholars. Teachers can call Children's Reference at (949) 717-3800 to
request a form, or to alert library staff about upcoming assignments via
telephone.
* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public
Library. This week's column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with
Lin Look.
