Homework Help
We all know that citations are necessary—but they can be incredibly
confusing and downright annoying. Here are some sites with format notes
and citation generators.
www.knightcite.com
www.citationmachine.net
www.actstudent.org
www.number2.com
www.collegeboard.com/testing/
www.enotes.com/sat-prep/
www.collegeboard.com
www.petersons.com
www.collegeaccesscenter.org
www.princetonreview.com/college/
www.enotes.com/lit
www.sparknotes.com
www.cliffnotes.com
Spanish: www.studyspanish.com/
French: globegate.utm.edu/french/globegate_mirror/gramm.html
School Libraries
Especially when working on projects that have been done for many years,
school libraries will have lots of resources for you to use. Vertical
files are full of articles clipped from magazines and newspapers. Some
also have many local history books and older publications. If you need
something or have questions, just ask the librarian or a library aide
for help. School libraries are generally open throughout the school day
and sometimes after school—just ask a librarian what the schedule
is.
Public Library
Go to any library branch and get a library card. It is not “uncool”
or “geeky,” it’s VITAL!!! It only takes filling out
an application and showing them your ID or a proof of residence to unlock
tons of free resources and services.
The Chattanooga Hamilton-County Library system has so many books, databases,
movies, microfiches, and other resources it’s not even funny. If
you are unaccustomed to the Dewy Decimal System or library searches, see
a librarian (they are very nice and helpful and want something to do—so
don’t be scared). Not only can they take you to whatever you’re
looking for, they can also suggest other resources to check out. The more
you tell them about your project, the more they can help. (“I need
information on Chattanooga’s historical landmarks,” will yield
hundreds of books and articles. “I’m looking for information
on the construction and restoration of the Walnut Street Bridge for a
pictorial essay,” will narrow it down.) I would strongly suggest
going to the Downtown branch (it’s on 10th and Broad with the huge
book water fountain). If you can’t, go to the library webpage (www.lib.chattanooga.gov),
and use the “Search Catalog” feature to find books and (using
your library card), put them on hold at a branch that is more accessible.
The library also has FIFTY online databases you can use if you have a
library card. (Some of them can be difficult to navigate—librarians
can show you how!) If you’re 18 or older (or have a parent who has
a library card), you can also check out movies from the Downtown branch
for FREE* (*On-Demand movies are $2).
College Libraries
College libraries are incredibly useful because they are designed for
research. For information about using UTC’s Lupton Library, go to
their website (www.lib.utc.edu/library).
The Chattanooga State Augusta R. Kolwyk Library (www.library.chattanoogastate.edu)
is free for public use; go to the Policies page for information regarding
visitors.
Algebra: www.algebrahelp.com/
Geometry: library.thinkquest.org/2647/geometry/geometry.htm
Calculus: www.math.ucdavis.edu/~calculus/
INTERNET
The Internet is FULL of information, but not all of it is correct. Anybody
who can pay a fee can have a website about anything. If you are not using
databases, make sure your resource is reliable. Set your search engine
to pull .gov, .org, and .edu sites as their facts usually accurate. When
using.edu sites (especially a college webpage), check to see if it is
a paper or work done by a student. If so, see their works cited or bibliography
and use those sources rather than information from the paper. Note that
.com and .net sites are acceptable, so long as they are reputable—many
news organizations have .com addresses. When in doubt, see your instructor!
Online Databases
The best resources are documents that have been published, but it can
be difficult to look for one article out of a stack of magazines and newspapers
or search through endless shelves of books for a few paragraphs. Luckily,
online databases contain thousands (sometimes millions) of articles and
excerpts that have been printed in reliable publications. Did I mention
that the citation is usually posted on the page, too?
Tennessee Electronic Library: www.tennessee.gov/tsla/tel
Wilson Web: vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com/hww/jumpstart.jhtml
Interviews are a great way to get first-hand knowledge and opinions. To
find good interviewees, check out historical societies, organizations,
and other groups whose work is related to your topic.
When interviewing, prepare a list of questions. Keep in mind that your
interviewee might not know statistics or numbers off the top of their
head, so think about other questions to ask. What was the building used
for? Why was it built? Has it undergone any major renovations or reconstruction—if
so, why? What makes this building important to the history of our town?
Take a pad of paper and a writing utensil, and (if possible) a recording
device. It can be difficult to write down everything they say, and it
helps if the conversation is recorded. Be polite, and send a thank-you
note after the interview (a hand written, mailed card is best).
Scholarships and Financial Aid
www.fastweb.com
www.fafsa.ed.gov
www.finaid.org/scholarships/
www.collegepaystn.com/
Biology: www.bbc.co.uk/sn/
Chemistry: www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/educatorsandstudents.html
History Notes: www.enotes.com/history
AP Course Notes: www.course-notes.org/
CIA World Factbook: www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/
