How to Choose a Search Engine

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Recommended Citation

"How to Choose a Search Engine", pegasus, January 01, 1994, https://nautilus.org/pegasus/how-to-choose-a-search-engine/


Teacher Orientation Activity Guides

 

Getting Started 1:
How To Choose A Search Engine

Students learn how to distinguish between different search engines and how to conduct more accurate searches.

Rationale

Does the Internet sometimes feel like a vast ocean of information with a rising tide? Does finding a useful piece of information feel like discovering a needle in a haystack? This activity helps students to explore the world of Search Engines, powerful tools for conducting research on the Internet.

Materials

“How to Choose a Search Engine” worksheet

Procedure

1. Introduce the activity and divide the class into small groups of 2 to 4 students. Distribute copies of the “How To Choose A Search Engine” worksheet to each group and provide time to access Virtual Expeditions.

As a class, debrief the learning experience.

  • What did you learn about using search engines? What are their strengths and weaknesses?
  • What search engines proved most reliable? Why?
  • What techniques did you use to perform more precise searches?
  • What new features would you like to see incorporated in search engines?

Extensions

  • Search Engine Scavenger Hunt. Organize an online scavenger hunt that requires the use of search engines. Have teams of students compete to find several items in the shortest possible time.
  • Search Off Contest. Select an item to search for on the web. Using the same keywords, conduct the search with at least five search engines. The winner is? Why?

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