NetTrekker

Hello-

I have been recently introduced to the NetTrekker database, and I think it is an amazing database for both students, teachers and parents. Therefore, I would like to share some of its many features with you.

Firstly, you need to be aware that you must join to enjoy the many benefits, but the cost is reasonable. Anyone can join for $4.95 per month or $49.95 per year.

Upon signing on to the netTrekker website, you will see the home page with four tabs at the top of the page: elementary, middle, high, and standards. Using these tabs you can focus on the grade level in which you want to do your research. The standards tab is an awesome feature in that you can see the state standards for your state. This feature is geared more for parents and teachers.

 Basically, the elementary, middle, and high school pages are similar. Upon clicking on one of these tabs, you will be taken to a page which shows many subject specific icons. Each page is geared specifically to that grade level so the higher the grade level, the more specific the subjects will become. In addition to using the subject icons, you are able to search for information based on a particular theme.

To preview the articles available for a particular subject either click on a subject icon or type in your search term. For example, let’s say you want information on constellations. You would click on the science icon. A list of more specific science subjects would appear with the number of items available for that concept. Click on the concept, constellations, and another screen will appear with a list of more specific items you can look at. In our case, constellations has nine more specific places to search such as “Properties of a Star.” When you click on this label, six summaries of the available sites will appear. A nice feature is that the readability level is indicated next to the summaries. Also, a “read aloud” button is available if these need to be read to you.

Every page has the same basic features in addition to the subject icons. These features include the ability to find or make a timeline, search for a famous person, search for images, use different reference sources, and use a variety of teacher tools. Under teacher tools, many articles and sites are available to support teachers in the classrooms. In addition to these basic features, there is a “My Tools” section. Using this section allows you to update your profile, set preferences, save articles in “My Portfolio”, check to see your search history, get help, and make contacts.

This search engine was specifically designed for children and their parents. Over 180,000 websites have been reviewed, rated, and approved by teachers so children will only receive search results that are safe. Visit http://www.nettrekker.com/home/ to take a tour, view testimonials, and try it for free.

It’s a great site!

Cathy Allen