Reference Tools - Grade 5+

Lesson Title: Reference Tools

Subject: Library

Grade: 5

Time: At least 3 days – 30 minutes each

Materials needed:
Reference Tool worksheets
pencils


Books: Example of each and copies for student use – encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, biographical dictionary, geographical dictionary, index,


Vocabulary: reference tools, encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, almanac, biographical dictionary, geographical dictionary, index,

The Point: Students will discover different reference tools available to them in the library, learn what their purpose is, and how to use them. Basically, an overview of reference materials available in the library.



Day 1 – What are reference tools?

Ask: What is a reference tool? Show examples of different books. Ask if students know what they are and what they are for. Encyclopedia, Dictionary, Thesaurus, Atlas, Almanac, Biographical Dictionary, Geographical dictionary/encyclopedia, Index
After discussing the tools, pass out Reference Tool worksheet 1. Explain that the students should tell both the answer to the question and what tool they used to find that answer. Activity can be done in partners.

Day 2 – What Tool should I use?
Quick review of various tools and uses.
Hand out reference tool practice page. Remind students that they need to tell both the answer and what tool they used to find that answer.

Day 3 – Why Use Reference Tools
Review reference tools and their uses
Show and explain “Why Use Reference Tools” worksheet.
Allow students to work in pairs to complete the worksheet.
Bring students back together to share their work.

Name:

Reference Tools

A reference tool is any source of information to which people go for answers to questions. Reference books are the most widely used reference tools. What reference tools can be found at your library? How can you use them?

Encyclopedia Dictionary Thesaurus Atlas Almanac
Biographical Dictionary Geographical dictionary/encyclopedia Index

Use the list of reference books to answer these questions

1.In order to find the answers to information quickly it is important to know the kind of information wash reference source contains. Write the correct answer on the line next to the definition.

a. a book of maps and charts ______________________________________

b. a book that gives the definition of words ___________________________

c. a book of synonyms and antonyms _______________________________

d. a book published each year that gives current information on many subjects __________________

e. a book that gives information about cities and countries ___________________________________

f. a set of books that gives general information on many topics _______________________________


2.Find the answer to each question. Tell which reference tool you used to answer the question

a. How large is a wombat? _________________________________________________________
ref. tool___________________

b. What is another word for meek? ______________________________________
ref. tool________________

c. What does “derelict” mean? _______________________________________
ref. tool ________________

d. What is the name of a river in Peru? _______________________________
ref. tool____________________



Name:________________________________________________



Encyclopedia Dictionary Thesaurus Atlas Almanac
Biographical Dictionary Geographical encyclopedia Index


1.Find the answer to each question. Tell which reference tool you used to answer the question

a. What is the largest lake in the world? _______________________________________
ref. tool __________________

b. How large is a wombat? ____________________________________________________
ref. tool___________________

c. What is another word for gentle? ______________________________________
ref. tool________________

d. When did the scientist Chien-Shiung Wu die? ________________________________
ref. tool ___________________

e. What does “decrepit” mean? _______________________________________
ref. tool ________________

f. What is the name of a river in Argentina? _______________________________
ref. tool____________________

g. Who was Robert Goddard?____________________________________
ref. tool________________________

h. Who was the oldest person in the world in 2007? ____________________________
ref. tool _______________________

i. What is chewing gum made of? _________________________________
ref. tool _________________________

j. What is the population of South Africa ________________________
ref. tool ___________________________
Name:

Why Use Reference Tools?
1.Read the following story. As you read do the following. Circle any unfamiliar words. Underline anything that appears to be incorrect.

Once upon a time there was a man who lived in India. He loved living in India for many reasons. His favorite thing to do was to walk along the banks of the Yangtze River. He would feed the some birds and do his laundry at the same time. The man was gentle and kind to all creatures. Every day he would go to a square in the middle of a city and throw rocks at the birds that were eating there. For this reason, animals were inclined to avoid him whenever possible. Everyone always talked about his ubiquitous clothing which was unlike anything they had ever seen before. As the man went about his business every day, people would often follow after him just to see where he would go and what he would do.


2.Now answer the following questions. Use reference tools to help you.
1.Look at the words that you circled. Use reference tools to find out what they mean.
2.Look over the information that you marked as incorrect. Use reference tools to find out if the information is correct. What words in the story need to be change in order for it to be true?
3.Re-write the story below by changing any words or information needed in order to make the story so that it could possibly be true.

HINT: There are at least 5 contradictions in the story.