Alvin Sherman Library Online Resources
NovaCat - Search NSU Libraries' catalog for books, media, periodicals, and electronic resources.
Homework Helpers databases for Broward Patrons - This page has a full list of the library's Homework Helpers databases and resources.
For a full list of library databases, visit sherman.library.nova.edu.
Practice Using Keywords
Play Search Shark by Common Sense Education to learn how to choose effective keywords for searching online and finding the right information!
Boolean Operators
Watch this video demonstrating how to limit or expand your search! Combine your keywords using Boolean operators AND, OR, or NOT.
Basic Research
Florida's FINDS Research Model: Focus, Investigate, Note, Develop, and Score
Reference Materials
American Heritage First Dictionary by
TheAmerican Heritage® First Dictionary is written especially for 5-8 year olds. The meanings of more than 2,000 age-appropriate words are made clear in easy-to-read definitions and example sentences enhanced by 550 full-color photographs and drawings that appeal to today's visually sophisticated children. This brand new edition has been entirely redesigned into a two column format. It's now paperback and has a larger trim size, making it lightweight yet still easy for young eyes to read. The entry words correlate with the vocabulary found in the curricula for the early primary grades, and this new edition has over 100 new words and senses, includingcreature, escape, parachute,andsplash. The book features hundreds of engaging feature notes that show synonyms, opposites, rhyming words, and related words. These notes have been color-coded based on category, a feature new to this edition. The front matter includes a guide to using the dictionary that is useful for students, parents, and teachers alike. An instructive Phonics and Spelling Guide is included in the back-matter section to develop solid reading and writing skills.
Call Number: J 423 AMERICANISBN: 9781328753366Publication Date: 2018-07-17
Scholastic Children's Dictionary (2019) by
An updated edition of the comprehensive dictionary created with kids in mind, featuring more than 500 new or revised entries and learning tools. Scholastic's trusted dictionary is back and filled with up-to-date information on technological, scientific, and cultural terms, hundreds of new words, and in-depth sidebars featuring new, colorful images. In addition to a kid-friendly pronunciation guide and sample sentences, the Scholastic Children's Dictionary includes a thesaurus, as well as guides to grammar, idioms, geography, and US presidents. The perfect reference guide for kids and ENL learners of all ages.
Call Number: J 423 SCHOLASTISBN: 9781338230062Publication Date: 2019-09-03
First Children's Dictionary by
With more than 4,000 entries, this updated edition of First Children's Dictionary is an ideal reference book for children five and older that will soon have kids expressing their thoughts in wonderful new ways. Designed with age-appropriate text and highly visual pages featuring more than 800 images, this dictionary is accessible and will not intimidate readers. Definitions are written in full sentences, helping children learn how to write correctly, and example sentences illustrate use and meaning. Opposites are included, themed feature pages highlight related words, and spelling and writing tips at the back of the book give children even further insight into the art of using words. More than just a dictionary, First Children's Dictionary is the perfect beginning reference book for kids.
Call Number: J 423.1 FIRSTISBN: 9781465454676Publication Date: 2016-11-01
The Kingfisher Children's Illustrated Dictionary and Thesaurus by
Fun and easy to use, The Kingfisher Children's Illustrated Dictionary and Thesaurus by George Marshall is the ideal choice for upper elementary and middle-school children who are beginning to expand their vocabulary. Comprehensive and authoritative, it defines more than 4,000 words with clear, age-appropriate entries, and also includes a thesaurus with more than 5,000 headwords. Plenty of sample sentences offer further clarification, while the intuitive pronunciation guides make difficult words easy to say. Hundreds of bright photographs and illustrations contribute extra vocabulary information and make this book a verbal and visual treasure trove. Special features include *Full-color, high-interest topic boxes provide an in-depth look at selected subjects and related vocabulary *Color-coded guide words and alphabet strings on page edges that make words easy to look up *Vocabulary panels *Definitions clearly identifying parts of speech, different word forms, and alternate spellings *Information about synonyms, antonyms, and key language topics
Call Number: J 423 KINGFISHISBN: 9780753464694Publication Date: 2011-07-19
National Geographic Kids World Atlas, 5th Edition by
The world has changed and this new atlas from the map experts at National Geographic captures the state of the planet with completely updated maps, stats, and fun facts--the perfect hardcover reference for curious kids and students. Learn all about the people, places, trends, and developments of our world in the fifth edition of this acclaimed atlas. It's got a fresh, kid-friendly design and all the latest, greatest geographic and political information that make this such a valuable resource. New features include a thematic map on endangered species, a map about the region of Central Africa, and an expanded Antarctica section that introduces kids to the important research that is happening there. It's the perfect reference for kids to learn about lands close to home or oceans away--ideal for classroom use, homework help, and armchair exploration.
Call Number: J 912 NATIONALISBN: 9781426331992Publication Date: 2018-07-10
National Geographic Kids My First Atlas of the World by
Introduce preschoolers to the wonders of the world with this beginner atlas, created with the map experts at National Geographic. Simple, colorful maps, bold pictures, and accessible text present basic geography, continent by continent, to spark kids' curiosity about the planet we inhabit. They'll learn elementary mapping skills and concepts such as the difference between a globe and a map. They'll learn answers to questions, like what is a compass rose? What features make up the land? Where is the ocean? And what are the countries where people (and animals) live? Reviewed by geography and early childhood consultants, this delightful atlas makes our world accessible to even the most junior explorers.
Call Number: J 912 NATIONALISBN: 9781426331749Publication Date: 2018-07-10
External Resources
- The Big 6Information & technology skills
- Disinformation NationAn education project of the Freedom Forum Institute, a nonpartisan organization headquartered in Washington D.C., that fosters First Amendment freedoms for all.
- Information Literacy (Common Sense Education)What to Know & Why Teach It
- Library of CongressThe Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, with millions of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps and manuscripts in its collections.
- News and Media Literacy Resource CenterThis collection of news and media lessons, videos, and printables has been carefully vetted by Common Sense editors (and fellow teachers) to help you find that "just right" resource for your classroom.
- NewselaNews articles adapted for different grade levels
- NewseumEDA Center for First Amendment Media Literacy