An encyclopedia can be used in a fun way by collecting information, such as what are the capital cities of the world. Once this information has been collected, then a teacher or parent can quiz the children or adults. This is a fun way to impart knowledge. This method might stimulate interest in those who have previously shown none in a particular subject, and it can easily be applied on other topics, such as the kings and queens of England or on the wild animals of North America.
Picking out a specific entry from an encyclopedia can be a way to test how much a group has retained in terms of an entry's key and trivial points. This can be done by asking the group 10 questions, which should be made up from the information in the entry. Though you could pick out seven or eight really important pieces of information, you also could add some more trivial information. An important question about Abraham Lincoln could be about where he first gained success in politics, and a more trivial question could be about what he wore at his inauguration. The people who are able to answer all the questions, including the trivial ones, have shown that they have immersed themselves in the encyclopedia's entry and have retained the knowledge.
Encyclopedias, as a general rule, do contain stunning animal and nature photographs, and these are excellent visual aids for the class. Let each pupil select a photograph of an animal to draw or paint. Then, when the student finishes the art, ask him to write a 500 word essay on that animal from the information he found in the encyclopedia.