World Book Online
World Book - so much more than an encyclopaedia
World Book Online is an online resource offering multimedia content such as videos, images, maps, and primary sources, as well as tools such as search-by-topic, translation tools and interactive learning activities. It is unique in that it offers differentiated levels of articles so that all students can access whatever they need, regardless of age and English language ability.
A subscription to WorldBook is very competitively priced and offers comprehensive, continuously verified and up-to-date content.
Early World of Learning (early Primary)
Early World of Learning is a comprehensive digital encyclopaedia for early learners. It contains a vast array of entries in both text and audio formats, all of which can be listened to with the words highlighted. There are also related pictures and videos, audio books for Special Education and a selection of songs as well as stories in Spanish. This is an ideal resource for young learners to explore the world of knowledge and develop their literacy skills.
Kids (Primary), years 4-5
The Kids database is a great resource for primary kids. It provides thousands of easy-to-read articles with illustrations and videos, as well as links to further images and articles. Plus, it comes with a read-aloud feature, so kids can easily listen to articles. All articles can be downloaded or emailed for later reference. In addition, it also provides fun activities such as craft ideas, instructions, games, and biographies of significant people.
Student (lower Secondary), years 6-8
The Student database provides comprehensive geographical comparison information, ideas for science projects and activities, a dictionary with grammar and spelling information, more than 40,000 encyclopaedia articles and other resources, as well as research tools. Articles are regularly updated with topical news, and include video, audio and external web links, as well as linked games and lesson plans for each article.
Discover (lower Secondary) - simplified
Discover database is ideal for reluctant readers, ELL, ESL and adult literacy students with content tailored for ease of comprehension and vocabulary building. It has an easy-to-navigate interface, as well as powerful search capabilities. It provides a range of features, including Reference Tools such as a dictionary, visual dictionary, timelines, and World Book-explains-videos; Life Skills such as getting a credit card, buying a car, finding an apartment and more; and Educator Tools such as curriculum correlations, how to use this site and more.
Advanced (upper Secondary), year 9
Advanced research tools such as dictionaries, atlases and primary source documents, website links, provide users with access to pre-generated content sets, translation features, online book recommendations, and world newspapers. My Research allows users to compile and organise content, while a citation builder and correlations to Common Core, state, and provincial standards ensure accuracy and age-appropriate webquests provide exploratory opportunities. Advanced has many features designed to enhance the research process and enhance global awareness and critical thinking.
Spanish, French & Arabic encyclopaedias
There are four resources professionally translated in other languages, including two fully Spanish resources - Enciclopedia Estudiantil Hallazgos for beginners and Banco de Contenidos aulaPlaneta for more advanced Spanish learners - a fully French resource called L'Enciclopédie Découverte, and a fully Arabic resource named Kids eLearn.
Activity Corner
Activity Corner offers thousands of activities with easy, clear instructions, photographs, illustrations and more. It provides an easy and fun way to engage with the world of creation. With its activity page, it offers materials list, step-by-step instructions and illustrations to guide you through various creative projects. You can also find correlations to your particular curriculum standards and it offers featured activities that update each time you visit the site. Additionally, the How To... tutorials provide basic steps and techniques for creating polished finished products. After creating your projects, you can share them with others using the Share Your Projects feature.
How and when to use World Book Online
World Book Online is an invaluable resource for both library and classroom use. It can be used as an information source in the library and as a starting point for various projects in the classroom. Not only can teachers assign homework for students to use World Book to find the answers, but they can also create engaging scavenger hunts where students must use World Book to find the answers. In addition, schools can share the login information with students on the school website, allowing them to access the resource from home.