Introduction
There are many different search engines available on the Internet. These different search engines are the same in some ways, but they are different in some ways. They do not all have the same capabilities. You will be working in to learn about and evaluate a search engine, and then you will teach your class about the search engine you studied by giving a Power Point presentation.
The Task
You group will investigate one search engine and become an expert in using that search engine. After you've become an expert you will do a presentation to the class and teach them about the search engine.
Resources
You will investigate one of the following search engines:
| www.zapmeta.com |
|
www.google.com | |
| www.bing.com |
|
www.metacrawler.com | AOL.com |
| www.ask.com | www.msn.com |
The Process
Mrs. Moore will assign each student, or small group of students a search engine to learn about. Students will learn all about one of the search engines listed above. Students will investigate the following aspects of the search engine and use the search organizer to record their results:
The front page -What features are available on the front page? Is there news and other information? Is there too much information? Do you like the way the front page looks?
Do at least 2 searches. How are the results displayed? Are the results displayed with summaries so you can tell something about the pages before you get to the page? Are you given suggestions for other topics or search terms? Are the first 2 or 3 pages in the results highly relevant?
The help or tips feature- Is it easy to find help? Is there information to help you search more effectively?
Special search features - Is there any easy way to search for images, music, and videos? What other special searches are available?
Advanced Search - Is there an advanced or expert search feature? What ways can you customize your search? Can you search specific domains (.edu, .gov)? Can you search specific languages? Dates? Can you search for a phrase?
Overall impressions- What are the best features of your search engine? What things didn't you like?
After investigating their search engines, students will make a short PowerPoint presentation to show to their classmates, and teach their classmates about their search engines. The presentations will have 5 slides: 1. The front page 2. The help feature 3. Special features 4. Advanced search 5. Overall impressions.
Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on the completeness and accuracy of their search organizer and the quality of their Power Point presentation, using criterea listed on the evaluation form.
Conclusion
Internet searching is a skill that you will use for your entire life. Take this opportunity to listen and learn and improve your internet skills.