An almanac is a reference book published annually that provides hundreds of facts and statistics on various topics. It can be used for school projects or personal learning when straight factual information is needed. The index in the back lists topics alphabetically and their corresponding page numbers, and is the most important tool for finding information. To look up a topic, search the index for keywords from your question and turn to that page, then skim and scan for other keywords to find the specific data.

1. What is an almanac?

2. A book of facts A reference book Gives hundreds of pieces of information and data Is published once a year

3. When would I use an almanac?

4. When doing research for a school project Especially when you need straight forward facts or statistics For fun! You may just want to learn some interesting new things.

5. You might ask….. How do I use an almanac?

6. The most important tool when using the almanac is….. The Index

7. The Index is: In the back of the almanac Lists all the topics in the almanac in alphabetical order Tells what page number(s) to find each topic on inside the almanac

8. Look up the keyword you are searching for in the index. The keyword is the main thing the question is asking you.

9. Here’s an example: If you wanted to know the population of Detroit, Michigan, the keyword would be…….. Detroit or Michigan because these words are what the question is mainly about.

10. When you turn to the page about Detroit, Michigan you will then have to skim and scan the page.

11. Skim and scan Means you briefly scan down the page with your eyes looking for keywords from the question like: Detroit , Michigan or population .

12. Also look at bold headings to tell you what each section is about. When you see the keywords you’re looking for, slow down and then begin to read carefully for the specific information you’re looking for.

13. And there you have it, the basics of the wonderful reference tool we call the almanac! Have fun!