Searching the Web

Lesson ObjectivesSAISD Internet Driver’s Permit

Lesson 3: Grades 6-8

Students will:

· Compare and contrast a search engine and a subject directory,

· Provide an example of a search engine and a subject directory,

· Use the Big6™ to help with Internet researching,

Learn how to use search techniques such as a Boolean Search to narrow search, and

· Learn how to evaluate Website resources.

TEKS: http://www.tea.state.tx.us/rules/tac/ch126toc.html

126.12 (c4A), (c4B), (c6A), (c6B), (c6C)

Essential Questions

· What is a Search Engine?

search engine: Search engines use spiders (computer programs also called robots) to match documents to a search expression and retrieve information from the Web.

· What is a Subject Directory?

subject directory: Subject directories are selected and organized by people into subject categories. If you have a general topic, browsing through a subject directory may be the best way to begin your research. Most subject directories now contain search engines which allow you to search their directories. The essential difference between search engines and subject directories is that directories involve humans in selecting, describing and organizing Web resources.

· What is the difference between a Search Engine and a Subject Directory?

search engine: Search engines use spiders (computer programs also called robots) to match subject directory: Subject directories are selected and organized by people into subject categories. If you have a general topic, browsing through a subject directory may be the best way to begin your research. Most subject directories now contain search engines which allow you to search their directories. The essential difference between search engines and subject directories is that directories involve humans in selecting, describing and organizing Web resources.

documents to a search expression and retrieve information from the Web.

· How can the Big6™ help with Internet research?

The Big6 is a process model of how people of all ages

solve an information problem.

· How can Boolean Search be used to narrow a search?

A simple lesson in Boolean searching is available and advisable to those who are unfamiliar with this method.

It is possible to compose some complex search expressions using Boolean logic on this search system. To do so, use the following terms:

· What are the questions to ask when evaluating a website as an appropriate source?

Evaluation of Web documents

1. Accuracy of Web Documents

Who wrote the page and can you contact him or her?
What is the purpose of the document and why was it produced?
Is this person qualified to write this document?

Activity Description

The students will review the websites listed under Websites and Other Resources to become familiar with the terms and concepts related to searching the web such as search engines, web directories, Boolean Search, the Big6™, and website evaluations. After reviewing listed websites for the noted information, the students may answer quiz questions to evaluate their knowledge of the information presented.

Websites and Other Resources

Big6™ Skills - http://www4.adhost.com/big6/files/Big6Handouts.pdf

COMPASS-Online Library – Tips for Finding Information

http://www.library.cqu.edu.au/

ADAM Home Page - Boolean Search Tips

http://adam.ac.uk/info/boolean.html

Cornell University Library - Five Criteria for Evaluating Web Pages

http://www.library.cornell.edu/okuref/research/webcrit.html

Recommended Time

30 minutes

Instructional Procedures

1. Discuss the vocabulary involved with “searching the web”: search engines, web directories, Boolean searching, web evaluations and the Big6™. Why is important to understand the definitions of these terms?

2. After reviewing each of the websites noted in Websites and Other Resources, group students (4), and have them develop search strategies for a current assignment. What do they understand as needing to know before beginning the process?

3. Discuss the class’ findings in a whole group and clarify any steps in the process.

4. Students may then take the quiz for Activity 3 – Searching the Web.

NOTE: Students must pass all quizzes and/or tests in the SAISD Internet Drivers’ Permit curriculum with 80% accuracy.

SAISD Internet Driver’s Permit

Level Three

Quiz 3: Searching the Web

Circle the correct answer for each question. (6)

1. What is a “searchable database” that contains a collection of websites?

Subject Directory
Yahoo
Search Engine
Web Site

2. Which of the following is an example of a “Subject Directory”?

Excite.com
About.com
AltaVista.com
Yahoo.com

3. Which ONE of the following Big6™skills is most helpful in researching on the Web?

Task Definition
Information Seeking Strategies
Use of Information
Analysis

4. Which of the following is an example of a Boolean Search?

Internet + History
Internet and History
“Internet History”
History>Internet

5. Deann found a web site on Foucault pendulums which proved how the Earth rotates. How can she know whether the information is accurate?

Compare information with district online resources such as EBSCO, or Encyclopedia Britannica
Review print resources
Review the website author’s credentials
All of the above

Scenario 1

Middle school homework was proving to be more demanding than Geraldine planned, but she knew people who could help her out. The librarian reminded her of the Big6 and used that to plan what she needed to do. She looked over the class notes from one of her friends and realized she needed a print source, an online source, and an interview. The librarian helped her there too. She reminded Geraldine of the district’s online resources and how some of them were print materials that were available online too. As Geraldine reviewed some of the sites and re-read the teacher’s rubric, she knew she had a lot of work ahead of her. What is her next step?

Go back to her plan
Make an appointment with her interviewee
Go back over the websites and take notes
Start reading

6/2006