Lesson Three SIRS Discover and SIRS Issues Researcher

SIRS Discoverer

1. The third grader reading level should first be addressed.  I looked at a Lexile chart and determined that I would try to articles up to the 700 Lexile standard.  I used the advanced search and plugged in the Lexile range.

There were four articles on the solar system.  Three of the articles were not very long and so I think any of them could be acceptable.  One of the articles did not have a lot of reading but used a bar graph and had questions about the bar graph.  This would be a great visual aid for a person with reading problems.  Also an answer key was available. 

2.  I tried various means to research volcanoes.  A simple search showed 933 articles including graphics and web sites.  The advanced search actually had 705 articles.  It did not include the graphics and web sites.   Then I decided to look at the Maps of the World.  There were 21 graphics which included a variety of volcano pictures. 

 SIRS Issues Researcher

3.  I would go to the SIRS Issues Researcher and look under suicide.  There are many sources and at least six references to websites.  One reference was entitled “Teenagers, Suicide Behavior Timeline.”    This web site led to many links.  I am confident the committee would find excellent resources using the SIRS Issues Researcher. 

The web sites available when I googled suicide were endless.  However, it looked like a smorgasbord.  How do you know which web site the best site to try?  I can become over whelmed when I get too much information. Teachers do not have a lot of extra time.  The conciseness of SIRS Issues Researcher is a positive aspect.

4. There were over 1000 resources when I searched drought.  Then I looked up drought plus water restrictions.  There were 188 sources of information.  It appears that SIRS Issues Researcher would have valuable information for any discussion on drought and water restrictions .