This lesson teaches/reinforces skills in using reference books such as encyclopedia, dictionary, biographical dictionary, almanac, etc. Students look up answers to questions in the appropriate reference book and are given a list where the information can be found. I used this type of lesson often as a middle school media specialist and found students enjoyed it and benefited from it greatly. Often I allowed students to work with partners on the activity and if you do this, this lesson could be used at earlier grades. But it is great practice for even high school students. It would also be a great assignment to leave for a substitute teacher to do with your students. Included in a one-page summary of the activity (including answer key) followed by 2 versions of the worksheet to be copied and passed out to students. One worksheet has the recommended reference book included at the end of each question and the other does not for older more competent students.

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