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Genetic Engineering

Digital Resources

ed1Stop: Use “Reference” tab to access encyclopedias for general information and definitions.  We have World Book Online (search: genetic engineering, biotechnology, genetically modified food) and Grolier’s Online (search: genetic engineering, genetic technology, genetic code).

Sirs Discoverer: This database includes online magazine articles, websites, and reference materials written for students. Reading level is indicated by color. (search: genetic engineering, genetics, cloning, stem cells)

eBooks from the Library OPAC:  You can find the following eBooks in the library catalog:

• Cloning and Genetic Engineering
• Genetic Modification Should Control Human Nature?
• Food the New Gold

They are multi-user versions so many people can use them at one time.  Click on the book, click “open,” username= your library number, password= your last name.  It takes you through “Follett Shelf” and right to the digital book that you can click through and read online.  Use the table of contents to help you find your subject, or search and choose the one with most “instances per page.”

Teen Health and Wellness: This database is specifically for students studying the science of health and wellness.  Try searching: genetics, genetic engineering. genetic modification, cloning, “stem cells” (in quotations)

GALE eBooks on Science: This is an electronic version of a science reference book.  (search: genetics, genetic engineering, biotechnology, stem cells, cloning)

EBSCOHost: This database includes online magazine articles, book reviews and reference materials; these materials include those written for students and for adults. (search: genetic engineering, genetics, cloning, stem cells)

REMEMBER TO CHECK THE SOURCE’S CREDIBILITY.  Here are some tips:

1.  How did you find it?

• If it was recommended by your teacher librarian and included on the Pathfinder, you can trust that it is a reliable resource.
• Did you use EasyBib to find the resource? Did EasyBib give it a GREEN light?
• Did you use Sweet Search to find the resource? (these have been vetted by educators)
• Did you just do a Google Search? (proceed to the next steps)

2.  Is the site reputable?

• .edu means this is affiliated with a university (good source)
• .gov means this is a federal government site (good source)
• .org means it is an advocacy or non-profit site (might be good, but might have an agenda/bias)
• Is the author(s) listed? Are the author’s credentials included? Are her/his credentials relevant to the information being presented?
• Does the site have a list of resources or bibliography?
• What is the site’s objective? Is the site trying to sell you something or convince you of something? (it may be biased)

3.  Is the site and information current?

• Is there a date of copyright and is it recent, or was it updated recently?
• Are the links current and functional?

Sources for evaluation criteria:

Avery, Susan. “Evaluating Internet Sources.” University Library. University of Illinois, 29 Aug. 2012. Web. 09 Dec. 2013. <http://www.library.illinois.edu/ugl/howdoi/webeval.html>.

“Evaluating Information: Applying the CRAAP Test.” California State University, Chico, 2010. Web. 11 Dec. 2013. <http://www.csuchico.edu/lins/handouts/eval_websites.pdf>.

“Evaluating Sources Overview.” Purdue OWL. Purdue University, 2013. Web. 10 Dec. 2013. <https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/553/01/>.

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