This month, Web Watch takes a look at some free online resources in the French language that students (and probably parents and teachers as well) may find quite useful during the new school year.  

Science Net

Science Net, from the Toronto Public Library System, can be searched using an A to Z index or by subject (astronomy, biology, botany, chemistry, geology, paleontology, physics and zoology). The links provided are to websites both in French and English, and Canadian resources areclearly indicated as such.

Let's Talk Science

Let’s Talk Science offers hand-on activities for students which demonstrate various scientific principles in the areas of life sciences, earth sciences, environmental science, engineering & technology, mathematics, physics, chemistry and astronomy/space.  The information for each activity includes the time needed for the activity, recommended age of student, if adult supervision is advised, materials needed, and the steps in carrying out the activity.

Astrofiles

Astrofiles, as you would expect, is a French-language website dedicated to astronomy and space.  It includes information about the solar system, the galaxies beyond, how to choose a telescope, famous astronomers and interviews with professional astronomers.

Environment Canada

Environment Canada’s website provides access to information pertaining to Canada about climate change, pollution, our air and water, nature and biodiversity, science and technology, weather and more … as well as access to current and past articles published in EnviroZine.
Note: Federal government websites, including Statistics Canada, are available in French

Sante en Francais

The Stratford Public Library offers access to Sante en Francais – a French-language online database which addresses physical and mental health. You will need your library card to access. The Stratford Public Library also has access to Encyclopedie Decouverte - World Book in French. It will provide students with timely information on a variety of subjects, including science and math, history, geography, people and government, world religions, the arts, sports and hobbies.

TVO

TVO: La Television Franco-Ontarienne offers a wealth of educational multimedia resources to children in the French language.

Tech Tip

Save yourself time by learning keyboard shortcuts. There are dozens of them available. My favourites include CTRL + C (copy), CTRL + V (paste), CTRL + F (find in), CTRL + P (print). For a full listing of Windows shortcuts click here. For MAC shortcuts, click here.

The Ontario Government’s “OnZone

Students can take a tour of Ontario by viewing some cool videos of our province, and learn some fun facts about Ontario, its history, government, famous personalities and communities.  “Energenie” (Energy Genius) provides students with suggestions for saving energy at home.
Note: Provincial government websites are also available in French.

Radio Canada Archives

Radio Canada Archives offers a wealth of both up-to-date and archived information about Canada, images and clips from CBC’s radio and television files in the French language. Although coverage is focused on Canada, some international news and issues are also included. Radio Canada’s colourful “Zone Jeunesse” has been designed specifically for school-age users.

Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada will provide students with a variety of French-language educational resources, focusing on Canada, from hockey to trains, incredible inventions to amazing events and much more. “Passageways: True Tales of Adventure for Young Explorers (http://goo.gl/oX5te) , which covers the discovery and exploration of Canada from east to west and north to south, is just one example of LAC’s online resources.

History of the French People in Quebec

History of the French People in Quebec, from Laval University, traces this history from the time of the French exploration of La Nouvelle-France in the 1500’s to the 1900’s modernization of Quebec and the province’s more recent history.  The website also includes a helpful series of maps depicting the changing borders of the province over the years.

Virtual Reference Library

The French edition of the Virtual Reference Library is offered by the Ottawa Public Library – the largest bilingual public library in North America. This excellent website is the “go-to” site for French-language students, covering sciences and technology, health, economics and business, geography, law and government, arts and crafts, people and communities, and more. Be sure to visit this very comprehensive website!

Upcoming Events

Fall Storytime Registration

Storytimes at the Stratford Public Library provides an opportunity for parents to introduce their children to reading and language in a fun way. Registration for our 8 week programs begins on September 7th at 10am by phone. For full program details, visit our kids programming page

Good Book Group

Interested in reading a good book and getting together to talk about it? Join the Good Book Group. For September, read September 27 - The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson [Fiction].
Tuesday September 27 7pm | FREE | Library Auditorium

Whale of a Tale

A FREE evening drop-in Family Story Time for preschoolers on Monday evenings from 6:30 - 7:15pm.  Bring your young ones in their pjs!
Mondays 6:30-7:15pm | FREE | Library Auditorium

Donation Day

The Library is happy to accept donations of gently used books, books on cd, compact discs and dvds. Sorry, we cannot accept encyclopedia sets, text books, magazines or books which have been water damaged. For further information, contact the Library at 519-271-0220 ext. 34 or visit our donation page. Donations should be dropped off between 10am and 5pm at the back door of the library (off the parking lot).
Friday September 30 10am-5pm | Library back door

Thursday Theatre

Come to the Optimist Hall on Thursdays at 1:30 to watch a feature film! (doors open at 1pm) Thursday Theatre is a program held in partnership with Community Living Stratford and Area.
Thursdays 1:30-3:30pm (approx) | $2pp (includes snack) | 72 Water Street, Stratford [map]

Handmade Culture: a show and sale of Stratford's craft, culture & creativity

At Handmade Culture you will have the opportunity to buy directly from local creators of high-quality handcrafted goods, such as paper products, printed art, soft toys, children’s clothes, knitwear, jewelry and more. 
Part of Culture Days which runs September 30, October 1 & 2.
Vendors will be supporting the Friends of the Stratford Public Library.
Saturday October 1 10am-3pm | FREE | Library Auditorium

Fly Like Arthur the Hawk Contest

Creative children ages 5 - 12 are encouraged to let imaginations fly on all things Camelot. Enter an original work of art or poetry by September 15th for your chance to "fly" like Arthur the Hawk or tickets to Camelot at the Festival Theatre. Details on the library website.

Poetry Stratford Presents... Nature Poet Don McKay

Award winning nature poet will be here to share his passion for birds and nature through his poetry. Read more on Don McKay from the League of Canadian Poets
Wednesday, September 21, 2 pm | FREE | Library Auditorium

Human Library

In the Human Library, the books you check out are real people, willing to share their unique perspectives, cultural histories and experiences. Instead of reading a book, you have a conversation. Part of Culture Days
Saturday October 1, 11am - 3pm | FREE | Factory 163, 163 King Street

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