Direct Linking
Copy the URL from the browser address bar to obtain a direct link to an article or resource.
Users may need to first log on to SIRS Discoverer before opening direct links.
Overview
SIRS Discoverer is a multidisciplinary database specifically designed for upper elementary and middle school learners, researchers, and educators covering curriculum areas such as, history, health, language arts, math, science, social studies, and technology. All newspaper, magazine, and reference book content is 100% full text, editorially-selected and indexed from over 2,200 reliable, high-quality global sources.
SIRS Discoverer features a logical subject tree hierarchy, age-appropriate search and filter capabilities, and streamlined results and article pages to help young learners connect with and comprehend content. Collection includes age-appropriate newspaper and magazine articles, vetted educational Websites, and reference materials such as the Compton’s by Britannica encyclopedia and DK Eyewitness books. See full Title List.
Target Audience: Grades 4-8
Content Connections: All
Access: Username and password information for BCPS staff and students can be found on the BCPS Digital Content Access Page.
⭐Click here to see a list of translation, accommodation, and modification features available for English Language Learners and students with special education needs.⭐
Learning How
Tutorials and Guides
SIRS Discoverer Train the Trainer Presentation (PowerPoint)
Educator Resources
In SIRS Discoverer, select the Educator Resources link at the top right of the screen to access curriculum standards correlations, the SIRS Discoverer LibGuide, or switch from the Guided Research Platform to the ProQuest academic platform.
3. Knowledge Constructor- Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others.
Features & Learning Supports
Advanced Search available.
Limit/Filter/Sort search results.
Article Text to Speech, including MP3 downloading.
Citations - Select "Cite" from the sidebar to copy a pre-formatted MLA or APA style citation. New October 2020- Select "Cite: from the sidebar and select "Send Citation to NoodleTools". Students should access NoodleTools from Instructional Tools before using this option.
Integration with Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Google Classroom and NoodleTools.
Language Translation.
Lexile Scores appear beside titles in search results as well as at the top of the article.
Use this Reading Level Correlations chart to match Lexile to grade level.