Databases

What are databases? Databases are online collections of magazine and encyclopedia articles as well as other specialized information. These collections are solid sources of reliable information. They cannot be found through Google searching.

Where do they come from? Most of these databases are provided through state funds administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Pike pays for access to additional databases that support our curriculum.

Upper School
Lower School

Upper School

General Databases

Kids Discover Online Magazine - Information on many topics.

Britannica Encyclopedia - a great starting point for research.

Gale in Context - another great starting point.

Subject Databases

Biography (Gale) - articles about current and historical figures and their impact.

World History (Gale) - encyclopedias, books, and magazine articles about world history topics.

Science in Context (Gale) - specialized encyclopedia articles on many science topics.

Fine Arts (Gale) - articles on many aspects of visual arts, music, and drama.

Global Issues (Gale) - articles on a wide range of topics and current events.

CultureGrams (ProQuest) -extensive reports on countries, Canadian provinces, and U.S states.

Science Database (ProQuest) - journal and magazine articles on science and technology topics.

Opposing Viewpoints (Gale) - articles that show multiple sides of societal, environmental, and health and identity issues.

U.S. History (Gale) - encyclopedias, books, and magazine articles about U.S. history.

Interactive Science (Gale) - Simulations and 3D models for earth science and life science topics.

Literature (Gale) - articles on literary works, authors, and types of literature.

News Articles

Gale OneFile - news from a range of U.S. and international publications.

Boston Globe Archive (Proquest) - current and historical news articles as far back as 1980.

New York Times Archive (Gale) - current and historical news articles as far back as 1980.

Lower School

For All Ages

Britannica - explore facts about biomes, play math and language games.

Gale Elementary - facts, pictures, and videos on lots of topics.

PebbleGo - facts about animals and biographies of interesting people.

For grades 2 - 4

Britannica Encyclopedia - explore articles and find videos about many topics.

Kids Discover Online Magazine - read articles about interesting topics like planets and technology.

CultureGrams States Reports - learn about life in the United States through articles, videos, infographics, and photos.

CultureGrams World Reports - learn about life around the world through articles, videos, infographics, and photos.

Important Notes

Passwords are needed for home access to CultureGrams and Kids Discover (available on the passkey page or through Google Classroom).

Pike students who live outside Massachusetts will need additional information to use some databases at home. Visit the passkey page to learn more.

Need more specialized information for topics like health care, education, test prep, or careers? Click here for access to the full range of databases available through the state.

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