ELM tips & tricks: Finding science experiments

We know that the eLibrary Minnesota resources can be a goldmine for concepts and information relating to the humanities, but we don't always consider turning to them when doing research in the sciences.  There are several databases within ELM that offer information on science-related topics, and even science experiements.

• Science Reference Center contains encyclopedias, reference books, periodicals, and other sources covering numerous science topics for middle and high school students.  It also links directly to 1,066 hands-on science experiments for students to do at home, or at school.  The link to science experiments is available from the Reference Shelf on the right side of the home screen.  From the Advanced Search screen, you can also limit by Document Type to science experiment. 

• Gale in Context: High School and Gale in Context: Middle School include encyclopedia, magazine, and journal articles, plus primary sources, images, video, and more for middle and high school students.  From the Advanced Search, you can limit by Document Type to "experiment activity."  This will yield 135 results that offer experiments from growing mold to crime scene fiber evidence.

Aside from these databases, you can also find science experiments in Expora Teens, which contains most of Science Reference Center.  I didn't have much luck locating science experiments in it, but if you're working with more advanced science researchers you may want to try out Gale Onefile Science, which contains scholarly journals and popular magazines across all science-related subject areas.