A reference source is a tool used to find information on a topic. Common reference sources include almanacs, atlases, encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauruses, periodicals, and the internet. Each reference source has its own strengths - for example, an atlas is best for finding geographic information, while an encyclopedia provides broad overviews of topics. Knowing which reference source to use for different types of questions can help efficiently find needed information.

2. What is a reference source? A reference source is a tool people use to find information about a topic.

3. What reference sources could you use to gather information for a report?

4. Reference Sources

5. Almanac - a book of facts on many different subjects, printed yearly. Atlas - a book of maps and facts about geography Nonfiction books from our MC about your topic.

6. Encyclopedia - contains articles on people, places, things & events. Topics are listed alphabetically.Good place to begin gathering information because it gives you a broad overview of your topic. Internet Interview people who are knowledgeable about your topic. Dictionary - use the dictionary to look up spelling, meaning, pronunciation of a word.

7. Periodicals - give current & up to date information published daily, weekly, bi-monthly, or quarterly such as magazines and newspapers. Thesaurus - identifies synonyms of words giving you choices for words instead of using the same words over and over. Telephone Book DVD’s, Videos, TV programming (TV guide)

8. What would be the best source to use??? 1. What is a mesa? Dictionary 2. In what state is the Rocky Mountain National Park? Atlas

9. 3. What is the weather forecast for Washington, D.C.? Internet, T.V., Newspaper 4. What issues led up to the Civil War? Encyclopedia 5. How do you pronounce archaeoastronomy? Dictionary

10. 6. What team won the world series in 1976? Almanac 7. What is another word for indigenous ? Thesaurus 8. What states border Tennessee ? Atlas

11. 9. What does a beluga whale eat? Encyclopedia 10. What is another word for ecstatic? Thesaurus

12. 11. Who won the Georgia & Alabama football game ? Internet, T.V., Newspaper 12. Where is the geographic center of the United States? Almanac

13. Knowing the correct reference resource to use to find information will reduce your research time.