Directory of Trade Schools

With businesses and for-profit schools competing on the web, it is hard to find a plain nonbiased listing of trade, industrial, and vocational schools just by googling. But you can get to some of that information in the resource called Oregon CIS. Washington County provides access to this. It contains trade schools here and in the other states too. For how CIS decides which schools to add, read on

For students or anyone who is interested in exploring careers, the Oregon Career Information System is one of the most helpful resources I have ever used. Although the database focuses on Oregon schools and programs of study, the user can expand their search to includes schools throughout the United States. It's a highly interactive site and what I have found is that the more you use it, the more you find with each new search. One of the most valuable aspects of the database is that it covers not only the two and four year schools, but also those institutions that offer short-term study programs or certificates for various occupations. Included in the detailed information:

• Overviews of individual occupations with details on specific work activities, common work activities, working conditions, physical demands, skills and abilities, knowledge, interests, preparation, helpful high school courses, hiring practices, wages, employment and outlook, advancement, and further resources. It then allows you to search schools that offer programs of study in that occupation.



• The program section addresses program admission, graduate admissions, typical course work, things to know, and other resources. The schools offering those programs are listed by geographical region in Oregon (or you can choose an out-of-state location) and then give detailed information about the school, student body, costs, financial aid, admissions, academics, student life, housing, student services, and career services. Website links are also given.



• If you aren't sure about a particular job title but are interested in a specific field of work like health care or business, the clusters index lists appropriate occupations within a variety of fields.



• The financial aid section is extremely useful in that it allows you to narrow your search to certain types of financial help like scholarships, grants and loans. The scholarship list is very detailed and there is a section specifically for Oregon residents.


• The exploration tools section is helpful in that it lets the user sort through various areas such as occupation, undergraduate or graduate schools, financial aid and one of the most interesting tools, the Reality Check which gives a very realistic picture of how much money you will need to live and which occupation will may for those needs.

Check it out!

Learning Express Database

As a resident of Oregon you have 24/7 access to Learing Express. Learning Express is a database that can be accessed through http://www.wccls.org/ under Online Resources- careers.
"Whatever your goal, LearningExpress Library's resources will help you succeed. Each of our Learning Centers offers the practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information you need to achieve the results you want—at school, at work, or in life. Looking to land a job? You'll find an entire Learning Center dedicated to helping you get the one that's right for you." ~Learning Express website.

The biggest secret is that there are downloadable exam ebooks. The list of available titles include:

• 501 Algebra Questions



• Pre-GED Language Arts Writing



• GED Math



• Air Traffic Control Test Prep

Log on today and get started!

So you want to be a gardener?

But do you want to become a Master Gardener?

About this time of year, your efforts to begin a garden are paying off. Greens and sprouts are taking off. Beneficial insects and worms are crittering about, and you are learning from our great collection of books on gardening here at the library.

But have you ever wanted to take it further and learn so that you can use those skills or teach others? Exploring a Master Gardener certificate, taught by the Oregon State University Extension service, is a popular endeavor for many people who fall in love with gardening here. That means that the winter classes fill quickly. If you want to lean more, be prepared to sign up for this in September.

That is just around the corner!

College Bound Reading List

Arrowhead Library System has pulled together a wonderful college bound reading list. It's a long list, but check it out for some great choices.  Good for those interested in broadening their reading interests as well.

Opposing Viewpoints

One of the many excellent databases available 24/7 (with your library card) at WCCLS is Opposing Viewpoints in Context.

Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a great way to explore and understand topical issues. Opposing Viewpoints provides pro and con viewpoints on issues, full text newspaper and journal articles, podcasts, videos, and selected websites.

If you are searching for a research topic explore the issues in Opposing Viewpoints in Context.

Free Money -- how to get Help version 2010

PLANNING THE "BIG ASK"
Free books ... at the library on writing a grant proposal
-or on writing a business plan for a new business
TYPES OF ASSISTANCE

All grants megasite from SBA

Oregon Microenterprise Network lots of different local and state organizations (depending on your type of business) who have various programs.

Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance or come in to the library to flip through the catalog itself in bound form.

View Foundation Grants to Individuals in the library for free or use Foundation Grants to Individuals online at home, fee based.

Microenterprise Development for Small Businesses Individual development accounts.

SBA Loans -- See about Microloans, up to $25,000, if you are a small business. The average loan size is $10,000.

BECOMING NONPROFIT

Books becoming a nonprofit such as the Oregon Nonprofit Corporation Handbook
Books on funding your nonprofitSort results by date for newest items
Filing a 501c3 Application a dowloadable book on the IRS application to become tax deductible.
Help for your local nonprofit: Technical assistance http://tacs.org/
VENTURE CAPITAL
http://activecapital.org/
Venture Capital is NOT available for:
sole proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability partnerships, "blank check" companies, (companies that raise money to invest in future ventures not yet identified), development stage companies that have no specific business plan or purpose, development stage companies whose business plan is to merge or be acquired by an unidentified company, investment companies, registered or required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940, companies involved in oil, gas, or other mineral or extractive interests.
GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS
CCR-Central Contractor Registration-http://www.ccr.gov/ Central Contractor Registration (CCR) is the primary registrant database for the U.S. Federal Government. CCR collects, validates, stores and disseminates data in support of agency acquisition missions. Click here to learn more about CCR Policy and Background.
Browse Current Available Bids--use FedBizOpps which is on Stat-USA, available at the library. Ask at the Reference Desk, they have to log you on with their password in their rolodex.
http://www.stat-usa.gov/

• click on GLOBUS NTDB
• click on FED BIZ OPPS, type a search keyword. Suggestions of keywords might be "Portland" or "Oregon," or some keyword from his or her line of business such as "transformer" or "janitorial"

Government Contract Assistance Program, or GCAP. Oregon's Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) is sponsored and brought to you by the Organization for Economic Initiatives (OEI), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).http://www.gcap.org/
HELP WITH LIVING EXPENSES
Find assistance for Food, Housing, Child Care, Healthcare, Adult Education, and More.

Community Action in Washington County http://www.caowash.org/

Oregon Child Care Subsidy Program http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/children/childcare/main.shtml

Oregon Helps - gives you an idea of what to ask for ahead of time
http://www.oregonhelps.org/

Free legal help for living expenses

Legal Aid Services of Oregon
For legal advice about unpaid bills, click on Consumer, Debt Collection, Garnishment.
http://www.oregonlawhelp.com/OR/

Oregon state bar.
Check legallinks for answers to your Oregon Law questions. With the help of legallinks you can find a lawyer with the Lawyer Referral Service, get information on hundreds of common legal topics and learn the basics of Oregon Law.
http://www.osbar.org/public/legallinks.html


INVENTORS, ARTISTS
Grants for People

Foundation Grants to Individuals REF 001.44 FOU
in reference, but you can reserve a copy of last edition

National Directory of Corporate Giving REF 361.7632 NAT
in reference stacks only

Oregon Innovation Center http://www.oregoninnovation.org/ or

Oregon Entrepreneurs Networkd
http://www.oen.org/

HOUSING AND REAL ESTATE

Housing and Urban Development (HUD) http://www.hud.gov/ click on select a state


Grants for communities, business districts
Office of Community Planning and Development - HUD
http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/

Block Grants, Redevelopment, Enterprise Zones, direct loans to help newer businesses get started in Oregon, etc http://www.oregon.gov/ECDD/finance.shtml

Federal empowerment zones offer jobs, job training and small business development
Oregon Empowerment Zones http://www.econ.state.or.us/enterthezones/

STATE AND LOCAL JOBS ASSISTANCE, EDUCATION & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

State of Oregon's jobs page http://www.workinginoregon.com/

Oregon Student Assistance Commission http://www.osac.state.or.us/index.html

Capital career center and Worksource Oregon team up to provide career guidance assistance
http://www.workforceallianceonline.org/

Worksource Oregon
http://www.worksourceoregon.org/

College education
Library books on student aid

Career preparation databases via Washington County Library Cooperative
* Oregon Career Information Service-Start with the desired occupation, discover the outlook for that career, then link to schools, then to scholarships. Free at the library and free in many of the public schools.

* Learning Express Library - Prepare for GED, US Citizenship, ASVAB or SAT and many civil service tests online. Take courses on writing resumes and preparing for interviews.

Send your child to private kindergarten through high school
Oregon voters rejected a voucher program. But the subject continues to come up from time to time in news editorials.

Great Courses on DVD from the Teaching Company

The Teaching Company brings engaging professors into your home through courses on DVD and other formats. Since 1990, great teachers from the Ivy League, Stanford, Georgetown, and other leading colleges and universities have crafted over 250 courses for lifelong learners like you. It's the adventure of learning without the homework or exams.

These DVDs just added to our collection:

Art across the Ages is a mind-broadening survey of Western visual art designed to familiarize you with its basic history, acquaint you with major artists and styles, and provide you with a broad foundation for deeper exploration. (4 parts)

In A Brief History of the World, you'll survey the expanse of human development and civilization across the globe. (3 parts)

Classical Mythology is an introduction to the primary characters and most important stories of classical Greek and Roman mythology. (2 parts)

Greek Tragedy - Professor Vandiver has designed these lectures to give you a full overview of Greek tragedy, both in its original setting and as a lasting contribution to the artistic exploration of the human condition. (2 parts)

Do you have the AAMA exam preparation book? No, but we do have Learning Express!

Hello!
I would like to bring your attention to the database called Learning Express Library.
The question is a familiar one, they need a test preparation exam book... Just one problem. Some of the text exam prep books cost upwards of $100 and it's rare for us to have many of them, if at all.
Learning Express Library contains Certified Medical Assistant, Dental and Nursing, Post Office Exams, preparation for GED, SAT, and many many many more.

Once you click on Learning Express, you will need to enter a valid library card. Then you will need to do a search in the top left hand corner, such as medical assistant

Then you will see a list of tests. You click on the test you want and then choose, to the far right, log on with the green plus..

Then you will need to register, simple registration, no fee...

Then it saves it to your area and you can take the test. Some tests are timed. You may also retake the test. You can see the answers and the reasons why, as well.

Good luck and happy studying!

Science Fair Projects

The Beaverton City Library has acess to numerous books and online resources for

anyone who is doing a science fair project.

Ask for a Science Fair Pathfinder or print this out!

check out this cool database at BCL

Facts on File: Science Online--also available from home via http://www.wccls.org/periodicals/index.cfm?pac=a under science
This database is an excellent science reference resources that includes science experiments classified by discipline and rated for age/difficulty. Science online also uses beautiful tables, diagrams, and videos to illustrate concepts and includes essays on major topics an issues in science and technology. Seriously, check this out.

On The Web

Conservation International: 7 Steps to a Successful Project http://investigate.conservation.org/xp/IB/sciencefairs/7steps/step1.xml From identifying you research question to presenting your project, this site takes an in-depth look at the seven steps they suggest it takes to complete a successful science fair project. Also browse through their database of science fair winners.

Neuroscience For Kids: Successful Science Fair Projects http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/fair.html This website features a brief outline to help you complete your science fair project as well as a few tips and tricks. This site also contains additional links and brain activities.

USC: What Makes a Good Science Fair Project? http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/Resources/Good_Project.html . A short selection of tips to help you form your hypothesis along with some insider info as to what the judges might be looking for.

Wiley: Developing a Science Fair Project http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/Section/id-104125.html.This website offers a step-by-step overview to completing your science fair project with advice about “tinkering” research and developing a hypothesis.

Chemisty.About.com: How to Do a Science Fair Project http://chemistry.about.com/od/sciencefairprojects/a/doscience.htm This website is great because it not only offers an overview of how-to complete your science fair project but also links to other sites that go more in-depth into experimentation, presentation, etc…

Science Buddies: Steps to the Scientific Method
http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml
In addition to a great overview of the scientific method, this site also provides help with choosing a topic and a step-by-step guide to completing and presenting your science fair project. The Tips and Techniques for preparing for advanced science competitions is a great resource for older students.


Discovery Education: Science Fair Central
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Getting-Started/Investigation.html
Plenty of project ideas and tips and techniques for developing and presenting successful science fair projects and virtual labs for practicing science inquiry techniques. Designed for educators but could be useful for students as well.


US Department of Agriculture: Agricultural Ideas for Science Fairs
http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/kids/fair/ideasframe.htm
Project ideas for exploring agriculture using a variety of scientific disciplines. What happens when you grow sweet potatoes next to other plants? How does soil type affect different types of plant growth? You will just have to do the experiment to find out.


All Science Fair Projects
http://www.all-science-fair-projects.com/index.php
Browse or search through hundreds of project ideas organized by scientific discipline and grade level.


Society for Science and the Public: The Process of Science
http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/primer/scientific_method.asp
An in-depth yet accessible essay on the process of scientific inquiry as wells as tips and techniques for non-inquiry based research projects and theoretical projects. This is a great
resource for middle school and high school students.


PBS Kids DragonFly TV: Science Fair
http://pbskids.org/dragonflytv/show/bodyelectricity.html?video=bodyelectricity
Let the Super Science Spinner help you choose a topic you are curious about and then explore experiments and procedures that will lead you to the answers. Each project has its own webpage where you can watch videos of kids conducting the experiments along with tips on how to create your own science fair project. This is a great resource for younger kids.


Science News For Kids: Science Project Topics
http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/pages/sciencefairzone/topics.asp
Browse topics by scientific category, ask an expert, and even catch up on Science Fair News.


Bill Nye the Science Guy: Nye Labs
http://www.billnye.com/
This is a really fun website with hundreds of ideas for experiments, tips, and an episode guide for Bill Nye’s television show.

Peter Macinnes: Science Fair Page http://members.ozemail.com.au/~macinnis/scifun/projects.htm#N21 A straight and to-the-point introduction to the “standard” format for presenting your project.

NCES KidsZone: Create a Graph http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/createagraph/default.aspx

This website allows you to make all kinds of cool graphs and then print them out!

BBC Bitesize: Representing Data http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/ks3bitesize/maths/handling_data/rep_data_1_intro.shtml A brief introduction to all types of graphs, tables, and charts with games to test what you have learned.

Dr. Shawn’s Super Science Fair Support Center: Secrets to Writing a Winning Science Fair Report http://www.scifair.org/howtowriteakillerreport.html A variety of tips on how to communicate your ideas and findings clearly and secrets that will impress the judges.

Connecticut Science Fair: Getting Your Display Ready http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/students/abstract.asp This is a really great essay on creating your display with information on what you need to include (and what not to include.)

Science Fair Central: How to Create A Winning Science Fair Display Board http://school.discoveryeducation.com/sciencefaircentral/Science-Fair-Presentations/How-to-Create-a-Winning-Science-Fair-Display-Board.html This page is full of presentation dos & dont's, insider tips on judging criteria, and a final checklist for finishing up your project.

Internet Public Library’s: Science Fair Resource Guide http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/projectguide/

California State Science Fair http://www.usc.edu/CSSF/

Science Fair Handbook http://eduplace.com/science/profdev/science_fair/index.html

Exploratorium http://www.exploratorium.edu/explore/index.html (Includes a hands-on-activities page!)

Newton’s Apple Science Fair Projects http://www.newtonsapple.tv/ScienceFair.php

———————————————————————————

Books & DVDs

The Everything Kid’s Science Experiments Book (2001) By Tom Robinson With the help of a few household objects, high school science teacher Tom Robinson will help you structure an experiment… and blow the minds of the judges! (J507.8 ROB)

Strategies for Winning Science Fair Projects (2002) By Joyce Henderson and Heather Tomasello “Written by a science fair judge and an international science fair winner” this resource is “packed with strategies and pointers for putting together a winning science fair project.” (507.8 HEN)

Science Fair: Developing a Successful and Fun Project (1987) By Maxine H. Iritz In addition to an in-depth step-by-step guide to completing your science fair project, this book also contains examples of forms you might need for submitting your project. (507.8 IRI)

Science Fair Handbook (1998) By Danna Voth A good beginner’s resource full of information starting with the most important question of all:“What is a Science Fair?” Covers all of the science fair basics. (507.8 VOT)

Janice VanCleave’s 202 Oozing, Bubbling, Dripping, & Bouncing Experiments (1996)
By Janice VanCleave

Contains a variety of easy to understand experiments in science disciplines ranging from Biology to Physics. (J 507.8 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s Guide to the Best Science Fair Projects (1997)
By Janice VanCleave
Even more science fair ideas from the queen of the science fair.
(J 507.9 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s 203 Icy, Freezing, Frosty, Cool, & Wild Experiments (1999)
By Janice VanCleave
Get your thermometers out and explore this collection of experiments “designed to show you that science is more than a list of facts—science is fun!”( J507.8 VAN)

Janice VanCleave’s Help My Science Project is Due
Tomorrow! (2002)
By Janice VanCleave
This book was designed with procrastinators in mind. Hooray! Filled with experiments that can be done over night. ( J507.8) VAN)

Science Arts: Discovering Science Through Art Experiences (1993)
By MaryAnn F. Kohl and Jean Potter
Art and science come together in this book science experiments. Also include age suggestions for each experiment as well as other considerations such as the amount of time required and the amount of assistance needed. ( J 507.8 KOH)

47 Easy-To-Do Classic Science Experiments (1989)
By Eugene F. Provenzo, Jr. and Asterie Baker Provenzo
Go old-school by building your own moving picture machine or a paper cup string telephone. (507.8 PRO)

Chemistry Science Fair Projects Using French Fries,
Gumdrops, Soap, and Other Organic Stuff (2004)
By Robert Gardner and Barbara Gardner Conkin
Explore experiments that will help you discover the world of organic chemistry using household materials. (507.8 GAR)

Sports Science (2006)
By Shar Levine and Leslie Johnstone
Conduct experiments that will help you explore everything from Anthropometry to what makes the perfect sprinting shoe.
(J 507.8 LEV)

Shocking, Slimy, Stinky, Shiny Science Experiments (1998)
By Steve Parker
EWWW! Use household objects to make gross things and learn something in the process. (J 507.8 PAR)

Yikes! Wow! Yuck!: Fun Experiments for Your First Science Fair (2008)
By Elizabeth S. Harris
For your first science fair, this book has it all: how to do it, how to record the results, and great ideas for a project! (J 507.8 HAR)

Genetics and Evolution Science Fair Projects Using Skeletons, Cereal, Earthworms, and More (2005)
By Robert Gardner
Want to explore the world of DNA and genes without a million dollar lab? These science experiments will have you testing genetic inheritance, population growth, and more! (507.8 GAR)

Cell and Microbe Science Fair Projects Using Microscopes, Mold, and More (2005)
By Kenneth G. Rainis
Uncover the teeming world of bacteria, fungi, and protists that exist right under your very nose! (507.8 RAI)

Championship Science Fair Projects: 100 Sure-to-Win Experiments (2004)
By Supita Bardhan-Quallen
Not sure if you feel ready for a science fair project? This book introduces you to all sorts of projects that even the science-shy will enjoy! (507.8 BAR)

Bill Nye the Science Guy: Do-it-yourself Science (2003)
Let the master of scientific inquiry walk you through fascinating, kooky science experiments you can try! (J DVD 500 NYE)

Books Science Fair Success (1999) By Ruth Bombaugh In addition to guiding you through the research and experimentation process, this book also includes chapters on writing your research report, making an attractive visual display, and talking to the judges. (507.8 BOM)

How to Excel in Science Competitions (1999) By Melanie Krieger Covers details on organizing, writing, and presenting your abstract and research paper. (J 507.8 KRI)

Science Fair Projects: Planning, Presenting, Succeeding (1999) By Robert Gardner A guide through the entire science fair project process including how to write your research paper and clearly explain your findings to the judges. (507.8 GAR)

Experiment Central: Understanding Science Principles through Projects Vol. 1-6 (2000-2004)
This amazing series features experiments arranged in subject specific chapters. Each chapter is further divided into sections designed to help students follow the standard experimental process and contains a “Design Your Own Experiment” section that allows students to apply what they have learned about a concept to their own experiment to enhance their understanding of the subject. This series cannot be checked out, but it can be used in the library or photocopied. (HC REF 507.8 EXP)

Facts on File Science Library: Science Experiments (2000) (Featured in photograph, above)
This series contains hundreds of experiments categorized by discipline and then further classified by grade level, time commitment, and whether or not it can be done alone or requires adult supervision. This series cannot be checked out, but it can be used in the library or photocopied. (HC REF 507.8 SCI)

Time to learn

Education
David Haugen & Susan Musser

Every argument has two sides and the Education system is no exception. This book compiles essays for and against the current educational system.

Learn from the past...

How Lincoln learned to read : twelve great Americans and the educations that made them
Wolff, Daniel J.
Wolff presents an engaging, provocative history of American ideas, told through the educations (both in and out of school) of 12 great figures, from Benjamin Franklin to Elvis Presley.

Work Hard. Be Nice

Work Hard. Be Nice.

Mathews, Jay
When Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin signed up for Teach for America right after college and found themselves utter failures in the classroom, they vowed to remake themselves into superior educators. They did that-and more. In their early twenties, by sheer force of talent and determination never to take no for an answer, they created a wildly successful fifth-grade experience that would grow into the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), which today includes sixty-six schools in nineteen states and the District of Columbia. (Publishers Marketing)