Help with Homework

Now that the kids are back in school, homework and last-minute requests for homework help will again become a fact of life. You may have lots of reference books and other resources at home. You may be able to run out to the local library. Or you may want to try helping your child find answers and background information on the Internet.

Here are a few excellent sites that can offer plenty of help:

The Why? Files, Science Behind The News has feature articles on current topics in science and nature, with lots of links to more information. For example, the recent launch of an x-ray telescope named Chandra is featured, along with info on neutron stars, black holes, dark matter, and related topics. There's also a bibliography, and a link to Chandra's mission control for live pix from "out there". Past articles are archived by topic--the topic "Biology" lists articles on amber, ants, and several other subjects. There's a section called Cool Science Images, a discussion forum, and a search engine as well.

The National Geographic Society Web site can also provide homework answers. There's Info Central, an online encyclopedia with articles, Q & A, and links to more information, and Geoguide, offering "digital field trips" with facts and images relating to specific topics (tigers, for one). There's also an education section with teachers' resources and a Student Assembly (forum). Check out the Map Machine, where you'll find a huge number of view-only maps, an atlas of maps, flags, and facts, and a section providing printable maps.

Rader's Chem4Kids concentrates on chemistry, and does a great job. There's lots of information here, and it's all clearly written and kind of fun! The kids will find sections on Matter, Elements, Atoms, Math, and Reactions, and there's also a search engine to make finding what you need easier.

And last, but nowhere near least, take a look at How Stuff Works, by Marshall Brain. This web site features hundreds of articles on everything from bread to jet engines, even including things like finance. You can browse, of course, and it also has a search engine, helping students and others find specific information. You can sign up to receive a newsletter, too. And you might want to look at the Question of the Day. This site is great even if you don't have homework to do!

Good luck helping with that homework! If you know of any other good homework-help sites, let us know, by joining the Discussion, below. And remember to check back next month for another parenting essay!

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