rockclimbing-finding facts for research report

Question
Hi Frank.  Thank you for reading my question.  I have a 10yr old daughter trying to do a school report on Rock Climbing.  We have NO experience at all.  She will be doing an indoor rock wall for the first time soon.  I actually just wanted to ask if you could recommend any good websites for beginners with lots of climbing facts.  Any info regarding equipment, terminology, restriction, weather, etc. would be great.  Could you recommend any books geared for kids?
Thanks again for your time!   karen

Answer
Karen,
I do not know of any web sites that have instructive information for beginner climbers.  Most climbing related web sites are either online guide books or retail advertisements.
The best compact source of information regarding the basics of climbing is the book "How to Rock Climb" by John Long.  This is not written for children, however it is written for people who are completely new to the sport of climbing.  Most climbing/mountaineering stores carry a copy of this book, as do many climbing gyms.
Another book that has a large quantity of terminology, diagrams and general mountaineering knowledge is the book "Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills."
As far as web sites go, you could try the web sites for Climbing Magazine or Rock&Ice Magazine; I do not have their address' available unfortunately.
An interesting source of information about climbing is the yearly publication of "Accidents in North American Mountaineering."  This is definitly NOT for your daughter at her age, but you may find it an interesting read if your daughter decides she likes climbing and wants to continue to climb in the future.
If you are looking for more general information on climbing mountains rather than rocks, National Geographic has done several exellent articles over the years on climbing in general and Yosemite and Mt.Everest in particular.  Your local library should have back issues.
Good luck.
Frank