Gale – Charles County Public Library

Using Gale In Context: High School Edition!

webadmin — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 11:00:13 +0000

Doing research assignments can suck. All that time trying to figure out if your source is legitimate or wildly out of date, and reading summary after summary trying to find something relevant until they all start to bleed together. It usually doesn’t help that Wikipedia is sitting right there at the top of your search…so tempting, so forbidden. But what if I told you that there’s a site out there that just might fill that Wikipedia-shaped hole in your scholarly heart without breaking your teacher’s guidelines?

You might already have heard of some sites like Gale, Jstor, ProQuest, or even Google Scholar. These are databases or catalogs for lots of different kinds of information, articles, and other scholarly and academic work. Databases are the best place to go for online research because any articles, books, or other published information has gone through checks to make sure the work is reputable before being added to the database. That way, you can skip the step of worrying about the legitimacy of the information and the author of that one random website you found with the questionable layout and weirdly pixel-y images. Most articles kept in databases have been published elsewhere first, in academic journals or books, and have typically been peer-reviewed (which is basically the academic equivalent of having your teachers grade your homework).

Here at the library, we subscribe to Gale, which provides free access to all of their databases through our website! There are about 40 different databases in Gale’s collection, and each one focuses on a different topic or subject.

On the CCPL website banner, the Database catalog is located in the third category, “Research and Learn.” Hover (don’t click!) the words with your cursor, and it will bring up a list of all our Research Resources. Under this category, on the left-hand side is Research & Databases.

When you click that link, it will take you to an alphabetical list of the databases CCPL subscribes to!

You can click here to go directly to Gale or here to the list of all of our education-focused databases.

There are a lot of awesome resources here, but today, we’ll be looking specifically at Gale in Context: High School Edition.

Step One

Welcome to the home page! This is what the site should look like when you follow that link. There’s a search bar in the top left-hand corner, a carousel of cool and interesting topics in the middle of the page, and some small buttons on the right that will help us navigate the site.

Step Two

Let’s pick a research topic to use as an example. Since September 15th is the kickoff for National Hispanic Month, let’s see if we can find out a little more information about it! You can scroll down to browse all of the topics the database covers, or you can use the lightbulb icon on the right side of the page.

Step Three

We’ve arrived at the Topic Browser. There is a lot of information here, and it can be a little overwhelming!

You could just look through the whole list, or you can narrow it down by category from the drop-down menu just under the header. This gives you options to filter your search by things like Biography, Geography, Literature and Arts, Sports, or even World Culture! This is super handy if you are maybe still looking for a topic or can’t decide on what you’d like to research.

Since we already know what we’re looking for, though, we can use the search bar to find what we’re looking for.

Step Four

Once we find our topic or put in our search query, we’ll see some results pop up. There are lots of extra options to narrow down our search even further, but since we’re just getting started the Gale Reference page will be a great place to start.

This is an awesome place to start your research journey! These resource pages are laid out just like a wiki. There are hyperlinks to other related pages in the text, and the information is broken down into short categories, such as basic background information, history, and, in this case, how it’s celebrated! They also give you critical thinking questions like you might find in your textbooks that help that information stick in your brain! It’s a great idea to give this page a read-through, because they’re usually pretty short and can give you a better idea of what you’re looking for or topics you could focus on for your project or paper!

Step Five

Once you’ve gotten a good, basic understanding of the topic you’re researching, it’s time to move over to the EXPLORE section on the left side of the page. If maybe this page wasn’t quite what you were looking for, you can use the “Related Subjects” list to find something else! Or, if you want to dig deeper, you can start with the “More Like This” section to see a list of other articles and sources with similar information.

You can also click your browser’s back button to go back to the search results if you want to find a wider variety of sources like Audio tracks, images, primary source documents, and other websites to check out! There are so many awesome possibilities!

(As a bonus, when you click each of these links, they have a built-in citation machine for each source. No longer will you have to wrestle with formatting or dodging those annoying ads on Easybib, it’s all right there for you to copy and paste! How easy is that?)

Gale In Context is a great resource, and it might just lead you somewhere super cool! Whether it’s a difficult assignment or just curious about a subject you love, these databases are an awesome place to start your research journey.

Tissue Paper Popsicle Craft

webadmin — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:00:51 +0000

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Popsicles are a refreshing and delicious treat for the summer! Did you know they were invented in 1905 by an 11-year-old boy named Frank Epperson? Read more about this young inventor in our Gale in Content: Elementary Database. After you’ve read a few facts about Mr. Epperson, have fun making this popsicle craft out of tissue paper.

Tissue Paper Popsicle

Supplies Needed

Card stock paper
Pencil, crayon, or marker
Tissue Paper (cut into squares)
Glue
Paintbrush
Bowl or paper plate
Popsicle stick

Directions

Step One: Draw a popsicle shape onto the card stock paper using a pencil, crayon, or marker. You may draw as many as you’d like.

Step Two: Pour some glue into a bowl or onto a paper plate. Using your paintbrush, paint some glue onto the popsicle shape.

Step Three: Begin adding tissue paper squares one at a time to the popsicle shape, overlapping them however you like. After adding the squares, paint some glue over the top to make them stick down. Create whatever color pattern you prefer. Continue adding tissue paper until the whole popsicle is covered. Don’t worry about going outside of the lines because you will be cutting them out.

Step Four: Continue adding tissue paper until the whole popsicle is covered. Don’t worry about going outside the lines because you will be cutting them out. Let your popsicle completely dry.

Step Five: When your popsicle is completely dry, cut it out and glue a popsicle stick to the back of it. Have fun making more than one.

Resources from Hoopla

Popsicles Ebook by Sara E. Hoffmann

Part of the First Step Nonfiction – Changing Forms series

Pouring juice, freezing it, and adding craft sticks are all part of making popsicles. Simple text explains how juice changes form when you put it in a freezer.

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle Ebook by Anne Renaud, Milan Pavlović

The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson’s Famous Frozen Treat

A lively tale of a cool invention.

Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who loves inventing. And since inventing begins with experimenting, he spends a lot of time in his “laboratory” (i.e., his back porch) trying out his ideas. When he invents a yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him thinking: “I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen?” Though he doesn’t yet know it, Frank’s curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle!

This delicious story includes hands-on experiments and is sure to whet the appetites of budding inventors everywhere!

Art Junction: Paper Plate Ghost

webadmin — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 11:00:18 +0000

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Ready for chills and thrills? Set up this spooky ghost and hang it in the least expected place for a startling surprise. Leap on over to Hoopla and read these haunting tales… if you dare. Would you like to have a ghost as your roommate? Ummm… let’s see if Jacob agrees or not? Watch the story unfold here on Kanopy Kids. Are you going on a road trip anytime soon? How about visiting a Ghost Town along the way? Find the list here on Gale. Browse through more spooky crafts here on Creative Bug.

Materials Needed:

Paper Plate
Scissors
White Paper Ribbon
Pencil
Red Crayon
Black Marker
White/Black Construction Paper
Tape
Glue

Steps:

Step One: Create eyes and a mouth out of the black construction paper.

Step Two: Create two smaller circles for the inner eyes. Glue them onto the plate.

Step Three: Use a black marker and mark the eyebrows and eyeballs.

Step Four: Using the red crayon, create “slashes” across the cheek and eye lids for effect.

Step Five: Flip the plate over and place glue halfway across the plate. Cut out some long ribbons and place them on the glue.

Step Six: Cut a “V” shape from the ribbon.

Step Seven: Using a piece of paper ribbon creates a hanging string. Tape it to the back top side of the plate.

BOO!

Art Junction: Mother’s Day Card

webadmin — Tue, 03 May 2022 11:00:36 +0000

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Whether it be Ammi, Maa, Amma, Mom, Mama, or simply Mother, moms hold a special place in our hearts ALL throughout the year. Create this genuine care for her, as Mother’s Day is just around the corner. What else can be perfect? Discover what this little mouse surprises his Mom with for Mother’s day here in Novelist. Need more inspiration? Check out this magazine article on Gale. Then check out Creativebug for more ideas. Happy crafting!

Materials:

5-6 Sheets of Colored Construction Paper
Glue Stick
Pencil
Scissors
Ruler
Blue Construction Paper
Thumb for tracing
Color Markers/pencils

Directions:

Step One: Stack your 5-6 color construction paper together. Using your ruler, measure 2 inches from the bottom right corner and mark with a dot. Do the same step leading to the top of the paper. Take your ruler and connect the dots that you marked with a line. Cut the line to make the strips.

Step Two: Fold the strips in half and cut. Fold the strips over one more time and cut again. Separate the pieces by the colors.

Step Three: Fold a piece in half. Place your thumb on the crease, using your other hand, trace your thumb using your pencil and cut along the drawn line.

Step Four: Yayy! You just created thumb hearts! Repeat this step for the rest of the pieces.

Step Five: Take your blue construction paper and fold it in half.

Step Six: Place glue on one side of the heart and glue down onto the blue folded construction paper. Remember to place glue on opposite sides to create the heart shape.

Step Seven: Use your colored pencils and markers to make designs. Write your own personal message inside!

Art Junction: Rainbow Chain & Pot of Gold

webadmin — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 11:00:51 +0000

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Is there REALLY a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow? Create this cute pot of gold led by a rainbow. Check out this book about different Irish folklore here on COSMOS. Perhaps, this giant leprechaun knows where the gold is hidden? Do they exist? Find out on Gale. Grab a few ideas on Hoopla and learn all the ways you can build a trap to catch one.

Materials

5 – Multi-Color 1×8 inch Strip Construction Paper
1⁄2 Black Construction Paper
Extra Yellow Construction Paper
String/Pipe Cleaner
Pot Template

Directions

Step One: Using the template provided here, trace the pot onto the black construction paper and cut it out.

Step Two: Using the yellow strip of construction paper, fold in half 2 times. Make a circle and cut it out. You should have 4 circles. Cut the bottom of the circle off. Set aside.

Step Three: Using a glue stick, glue on the “gold coins” in a row on the pot.

Step Four: Using each color strip, glue the edge and interlock with a second color, and so on.

Step Five: Using a piece of string or a pipe cleaner, poke a hole through one of the ends of the rainbow chain. Secure by bending. Poke the other side on the pot and secure by bending.

Step Six: Using the leftover pipe cleaner/string, create a loop hanger.

Step Seven: Congratulations, you have your very own rainbow and pot of gold

Art Junction: Pom Pom Bookmarks

webadmin — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 11:00:28 +0000

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Are you constantly losing your place in the book that you are reading? Say no more! Create a cute Pom-Pom Bookmark for your page tracker! It’s not only cute, but it will accessorize your book, too. Spring on over to Hoopla and borrow this book on all sorts of yarn art you can design. You can also refer to Creativebug to get more ideas and inspiration. Read all about the world’s oldest yarn found here on Gale. Happy creating!

Materials

Yarn of your choice
Ruler
Scissors
Tape (optional)
Pencil (optional)

Directions

Step One: Using your ruler, measure 10-inches of yarn and 15- inches of yarn. Cut and set aside.

Step Two: Wrap yarn around three fingers about 80-90 times (for large pom-poms and 25-50 for smaller pom poms) loosely, not tightly.

Step Three: Carefully take the yarn wrap off your finger and place it in the center of the 10-inches yarn string you cut earlier.

Step Four: Double knot tightly and securely.

Step Five: Take the 15-inch yarn string you cut earlier and loop it through the first knot you made. Knot and secure tightly.

Step Six: Loop one end of the string through the knot you made and securely double tie.

**This is where the pencil comes in handy.**

Step Seven: Using scissors, cut around the loop on both ends, like so.

Step Eight: It’s okay if your puff is uneven. We will use scissors to trim and make the pom-pom look neater.

Step Nine: Holding on to the long string, start trimming around the pom-pom.

It will get a little messy, but that is okay.

**Quick Tip: Wrap the long string around your fingers while trimming. It give you a secure grip on your pom-pom and you won’t accidentally cut off the long yarn string we need to keep.**

You can use a piece of tape at the end of the string so it stays put.
You can color coordinate.
Create all sorts of sizes.
Braid the strings.
Thread 1-2 beads on the ends of the string.

Art Junction: Handprint Snowmen

webadmin — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 12:00:38 +0000

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Have you seen all the snow lately? Do you remember those beautiful snowball fights? HA! So much fun! Let’s do some winter-y activities together!

Warmup to Hoopla and watch a short video on an exciting snow day with interactive activities you can do right at home!
Ski on over to Overdrive and read along to this story about the biggest snowman you may have ever seen.
Learn all about how snow is formed here on Gale.
Discover more with Creativebug.
And don’t forget to create this cute group of snowmen just using your handprint.

Materials Needed

Scissors
Glue
Fine Tip Black Marker
White Construction Paper
Piece of Black and Five Different Color Construction Paper

Directions

Place your hand on the white construction paper and trace using a pencil. Cut out your handprint.

Create hats of your choice. I made box hats and beanies. Cut out and glue on the tips of the fingers of the paper.

Using the color construction paper, cut a thin strip and cut line edges. Glue on the “scarves.”

Using your black marker, place dotted eyes, buttons, and a nice smile.

Using an orange marker and draw noses.

CCPL’s Digital Newsstand

webadmin — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:00:26 +0000

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Did you know that the library offers access to hundreds of online magazines as well as a free subscription to the Washington Post?

Most of the library’s periodical collection has shifted to our virtual branch, where the collection is available anytime, anywhere. With no wait times and more titles offered than ever before, there has never been a better time to check out the library’s digital periodicals collection!

Libby by Overdrive

Find hundreds of magazines, instantly available on Libby. The Libby magazine collection includes HGTV Magazine, US Weekly, Cook’s Illustrated, Woman’s World, National Geographic, and many more!

Magazines in Libby don’t count towards Libby’s checkout limit. They can be accessed via the Libby app, the Libby browser, or the Overdrive browser.

Washington Post

CCPL offers subscription access to the Washington Post online. Browse through the headlines or delve into the various news sections, including crossword puzzles and the cooking section.

Onsite library use requires no special link or login and can be accessed from the library’s wifi or public computers. Offsite access credentials are instructions can be found here, and each offsite login is valid for seven days. After seven days, simply follow the access link and login again.

Gale OneFile: News

Thousands of text searchable newspapers are available in the Gale OneFile: News database. Updated daily, this database contains the article text from newspapers like USA Today, The New York Times, and many more from around the world. Gale OneFile: News can be accessed here.

Blog Post Title: Art Junction: Light-Up Card

webadmin — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 12:00:08 +0000

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I absolutely love receiving greeting cards. Greeting cards from family, friends, and even from some of the places I shop! There is just something about them. You can not deny how much love was put into them. When opening up a mailbox or even a package, that one thing that catches my eye is the greeting that comes with it. So, let’s learn more about greeting cards!

You can get started by…

Browsing through COSMOS and placing a few of these on hold. This is a great way to explore the many genres and greetings you can create.
Read this article on GALE on how many greeting cards get their special touch.
Then, create a light up card of your own with these easy steps. You can draw animals or toys. Anything that comes to mind!
As always, explore Creative Bug for many more ideas!

Materials

White card stock paper
Color Pencils
Markers
Tape
Light with battery
Pencil
Hole Puncher/Exacto Knife (parental guidance)

Directions

Step 1: Gather your materials. I used both colored pencils and markers.

Step 2: Fold card stock paper in half. The size of your paper will decide if you fold it “hotdog” or “hamburger”. You can hold the opposite ends of the paper together and check to make sure you like the size of the card before creasing the edge.

Step 3: Start to draw what you want. I drew a house because it reminds me of all the family getting together under one roof, enjoying all the food, laughter, and jokes. It’s so much fun!!!

Step 4: Here is mine all colored in! How does it look?

Step 5: You have two options for how you would like to add your lights.

Have your grown up cut slits (small holes) around the card using the Exacto knife or a pair of scissors. In my example, I threaded the light string through the image and taped the lights inside the card. I used this method on the roof line of my house.

Or you can tape the lights to the back of the card. I used this way to light up my window.

Happy creating!

Art Junction: Fall Leaf Frame

webadmin — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 12:00:10 +0000

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Who’s ready to JUMP in the leaf pile?! Let us create a beautiful leaf frame! This frame is perfect for a mini giveaway gift to loved ones or a simple project to hang on the fridge. The current season is Fall and you may have already started to see many trees shedding their leaves. Have you seen the beautiful hues of green turn to yellow or even red to brown? Fall on over to Gale and watch a short video on Leaves. Curious on how the leaves change color? Head over to Hoopla and read all about it. Tumble over to Tumblebooks to read along and watch the seasons turn before your eyes. Find a new project on Creativebug.

Let’s get started on our beautiful leaf frames!

Materials

Fall Leaves/Fall Nature (twigs, berries, etc.)
Hot Glue Gun
Heavy Poster/Cardstock Paper
Picture of your choice
Optional: String/Tape

Directions

Step One: Cut a sheet of cardstock to any size that you want.

Step Two: Glue on the leaves/items around the edges. Overlap them to make it look like a leaf pile.

Step Three: Add a picture of your choice in the center, like a picture of you, your pet, or a favorite fall activity!

****If you would like to hang this, tape a long piece of string to the back center.

Note: This is a seasonal frame.

You can do one for each season! Check out the suggestions below!

Spring: flowers, green leaves, seeds, etc
Summer: sand, sea shells, sea glass, etc
Winter: Holly leaves, red berries, paper snowflakes, etc