Navigating through the categories is a great way to start your search. You will find groups of related material. Once in a category you can refine a search for that category only.
Each of the main categories has several subcategories creating a directory hierarchy.
You will always know what category you are in by looking at the gray navigation bar near the top of the page. The fist link (Home) brings you to the home page, and the other links are shortcuts to other subcategories.
Each category has specific information. The homepage offers basic descriptions for each category, but read below to find more detail about each category.
Educational Resources- This category holds information of specific use to educators or relates specifically to education. Of course the focus is on aquatic science, fishing, and boating education. Look for activities, lesson plans, and curricula. Sure, when you are teaching you may need boating statistics or a detailed description of a largemouth bass, but you will find that kind of information in one of the other categories.
Aquatic Science- This category has specific information about aquatic science in several subcategories. You will find information on wetlands, water quality, and fisheries science. Of course, aquatic science curricula and classroom activities are found in the Educational Resources directory.
Fishing Information- Well, you probably have the idea by now. This category is all about fishing, and you will find a wealth of information useful in preparing educational programs or supplementing your students with additional material. Topics include information on fishing for the most popular species, saltwater fishing, fly fishing, ice, fishing, and more. There are also related subcategories for knots, weather, and tides.
Boating Information- This has a very similar arrangement to fishing information. Boating educators will find useful information on boating safety, regulations for every state, and information on a number of different types of boats.
Publications- The virtual library has links to websites that feature publications. Obviously the web cannot link you directly to a book, but there are virtual books and magazines scattered along the information superhighway, and we have cataloged some critical publications right here. You will also find websites that feature publications lists.
Organizations- Organizations that feature aquatic science, fishing, and boating are listed here. These include some businesses, many conservation organizations, and a detailed grouping of public agencies that oversee water, fishing, and boating on the state and federal levels. This site may be the quickest link to the treasure trove of information (often hidden) on your state's government websites.
Searching
This databases utilizes an intelligent search technology. It will return highly relevant results to your queries. However, there are some tips that will help you get the most out of your search without using complicated syntax. Just enter the words and phrases without any punctuation, and the search engine will sort through the entire database looking for single words and combinations of words within your search query.
The search will return results this order
- exact match
- have all of the words in your search query
- have the first word, then second, then third...
Tips for better searching:
- enter most important words first
- enter phrases
- use specific terms...broad searches will return a lot of results
- If your search needs to be refined, select "Search within results" to narrow your search
