SEARCH SMART(S)!
a WebQuest for Middle School Internet Searching

by Lynn Dowdell


 
 
 

Introduction | Task | Resources | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion

Introduction
Would you believe that not everyone knows how to search the Internet effectively? Would you believe that some people spend hours looking for online information and still come up empty? Would you believe that wasted time, frustration, and even chaos can be the end result?? What we need around here are more people -- like you! -- who have Maximum Search Smarts.
 
 


The Task






Your top secret assignment: to help new Internet trainees (that's most of the rest of us) attain the rank of Master Search Agent. With a fellow operative, you will prepare a "Search Smart Training Manual" for potential publication and distribution here at Central Control (a.k.a. the learning center). Keep your wits about you, and good luck!
 
 

Resources

 The following web sites are listed in more or less their order of difficulty. Depending on your own existing level of "Search Smarts," start your investigation wherever you think is best for you.
 
 

From the University of South Carolina, a good starting point that's only two pages long and contains quick basic search tips with brief examples is Bare Bones 101.

Another relatively simple site, Worlds of Web Searching, offers very clear explanations of the four topics covered there.

Try Search Engine Math to learn how to easily add, subtract and multiply your way into better searches of nearly all the major search engines.

If you'd like some practice applying search tips as they're explained, see if you can master the tricks described in Seven Steps Toward Better Searching.

For help on what to do if you get too few or too many results, in addition to general search tips, take a look at the strategies in the OSLIS Tutorials.
 
 
 

The Process



 I.  Initial Research

You and your partner will covertly scan one or more for-your-eyes-only web sites (see "Resources") to glean the most promising tips...for security reasons, these may be checked by the Chief of Control. Use the following questions to help you decide what to include:
    • do you have a solid understanding of how to use this strategy or technique?
    • can you explain it briefly and simply, in your own words?
    • will you be able to furnish a concrete example from your current research porject or personal experience  to illustrate the concept?
II. Final product
Using your notes, create a "Search Smart Training Manual" in Microsoft Word that will explain -- in language even a trainee would understand --- some basic tips for Internet searching.  You should use the template provided to help you, and check the evaluation criteria for further hints.  After the Chief of Control has approved your product, you may add graphics if time permits.

Evaluation
Your training manual will be evaluated in two ways. The Chief of Control will base your grade on the following criteria:
    • did the agents include at least five tips?
    • were the tips explained in their own words?
    • was an appropriate original example included for each tip?
    • if graphics were added, did they enhance the manual's apearance?
Also, your fellow operatives will be using your manual as they proceed with their research assignment, and will rate it on a scale of 1 to 5 based on how well it helped them. Of the highest rated manuals (assuming these met all of the Chief's criteria), one will be chosen by peer vote as "The Official Search Smart Training Manual," to be duplicated and placed beside each Control Central computer for the duration of the school year.
 


Conclusion

 After completing your "Search Smart Training Manual," you will be able to conduct more efficient and effective Web searches yourself. As these techniques become routine, you may want to go back and try some of the Resources sites' links, which cover more advanced search skills. (And then we'll need a "Search Super Smart Manual"!)
 

Illinois Learning Standards addressed: English/Language Arts 5.C.2a; 5.A.3a; 5.B.3a; 5.C.3a; 5.C.3c

Back to District 115 Home Page

Back to District 115 WebQuest Page
 
 

Last updated June 15, 2000

Based on a template from The Webquest Page.