Monday, January 28, 2008

Facts About Our United States

Do you have 50 questions about a state you don't even live in? Are all the books checked out?
Try these resources to locate maps, culture, climate, and government information.


http://www.ipl.org/div/stateknow/

Kidspace at the Internet Public Library offers a quick way to click on the state and bring up most facts younger students might need. Older students should make use of the government links for additional information. An interesting feature is "Famous People from the State". Did you know Walt Disney was born in Chicago?


http://www.50states.com/
Click on your state and learn about climate, sports teams, government, commerce, and more. Flags, state birds, and capitals available here!


http://www.fedstats.gov/qf/states/00000.html
Federal census statistics from every state. Do you want to know how many people there are under the age of 18 in California versus Illinois? Easy to read!


http://www.statemaster.com/index.phpFor the older student. This site allows you to compare statistics across multiple states. For example: crime rates, education levels, geography, etc.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Teen Depression

Teen depression is a topic that needs to be talked about. Join people who are trying to get the word out about what it feels like and where to get help.

http://www.totallystressedout.com/
Learn how to relax and deal with everyday stress at home and school. To the point instructions for treating your mind and body better.

http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/feeling_sad/depression.html
Do you know what depression feels like? Read about several teens who are feeling tired, sad, and not themselves and how they cope with themselves and their. Find out what things trigger depression, and find out how to get help.

http://www.nostigma.org/students.php
This Mental Health site devotes much of its space to students, and includes: frequently asked questions about people in your life that are suffering, symptoms of trouble, how to be an activist, and an extensive list of who to contact for help. Talks frankly about how many people are affected in some way.

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/depression_teen_teenagers.htm
Positive advice on how to beat depression – and where to turn for help if you can’t. Linked resources explain what treatment is like if necessary.

http://suicidehotlines.com/
A hotline for suicide prevention and for help with emotional crises. National and statewide phone numbers for teens who need to talk to someone.

Thursday, January 3, 2008

It's Almost Election Time!

It is almost election time! Here's a place to learn all about past presidents and their families, and about the election process.



http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/
Presidents of the United States by Internet Public Library. A source for points of interest including election results, notable events, and personal biographies.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/
What better source of presidential information than the White House? Find interesting facts, full biographies, and videos. Also has news information about the current president.

http://ap.grolier.com/
Profiles on the past and present presidents as well as on many hopeful candidates in past elections. Also included is information on first ladies, vice presidents, and the electoral process.

http://www.kidinfo.com/American_History/Presidents.html
A resource for photographs of past presidents and a direct link to the inaugural speeches. Especially interesting is the list of presidential gifts received from foreign dignitaries.

http://pbskids.org/democracy/
For middle-schoolers. Most interesting part of site is to see how government affects your everyday life. Also a section on the voting process that challenges you to understand who has actually been able to vote through history.

http://www.presidentschildren.com/list.htm
Wonder what you would be like if your parent was in the White House? Read about the children of past presidents.

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bio/?id=20004&lvl=F
Would you like to contact your president? Check here for email and snail mail addresses..

http://www.ipl.org/div/farq/POTUSFARQ.html
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the presidents form the Internet Public Library. Which presidents were related, who is believed to be haunting the White House, and more.

http://reference.howstuffworks.com/political-parties-american-encyclopedia-channel.htm
There has not always been just “Democrats” and “Republicans”. Read about past political parties in the U.S.