Introduction to WWW Searching

Objectives:

Student will be able to:

  1. briefly describe what a search engine is, how they are created, why they can produce a results list so quickly, and factors that influence how results are ranked;
  2. identify, access, and use an across-the-web search engine;
  3. be able to describe the difference between a search engine and a search directory;
  4. explain why a lot of web-based information is hidden from or invisible to search engines;
  5. be able to select a www searching tool that matches their specific need;
  6. use the advanced searching features of a general purpose search engine.

Presentation:

  1. Participate in the Do Now of naming your own search engine.
  2. Describe what a search engine is, how they are created, why they can produce a results list so quickly, and factors that influence how results are ranked.
  3. Direct the students to the HMHS library WWW Searching page (handout) and have them complete a search in an across-the-web search engine and then the same search in a meta-search engine.
  4. Have them complete another search in a subject directory and select a free web database that might have information related to their topic.
  5. Review advanced searching concepts (handout) and compare advanced search screens in different search engines to these advance searching concepts.
  6. Have the students complete an advance search on their topic in an across-the-web search engine.

Evaluation:

  1. Exit ticket
  2. Review responses on Searching the WWW handout
  3. Student responses to questions and student questions