Searching for Resources
Search tools are utilities available on the Internet to help you locate information about specific topics. They are like the saying "Let your fingers do the walking..." but the computer attached to the Internet does the work for you. There are actually four different categories of search tools available for you to use on the Internet. These include: Search Engines Subject Directories Subject Guides Specialized Databases All search tools update their information on varying schedules. Therefore, it is important to submit a search to several search sites to achieve the best results. A "Search Strategy" is the phrase you enter into the search tool's text box. When comparing the results from more than one search tool, you MUST use the identical search strategy, or the results will be skewed. This activity will help you refine your search skills!! First, connect to . Then try this strategy. 1. Use the "+" and the "-" operators: Start your search a "+" to indicate that they MUST occur in a page to be considered a hit, and use "-" to exclude pages. +seals +habitat Try adding an exclusion term: +seals +habitat -zoo 2. Use quotes for phrases: To find seal habitat (and not just pages with those words) put the request inside quotation marks: +"seal habitat" -zoo These simple strategies will help you find the information you really want.	Each search engine provides additional information on how to define a successful search strategy. Take the time to familiarize yourself with these techniques. They are usually found in the "Help" section or within an advanced option.   Several of the popular search tools are located in the chart below. Although you are probably devoted to one specific search tool, such as Google, it's worth taking a look at some of these. For example, Vivisimo organizes your results into folders, making it easier to determine what would be useful in your classroom. The Semantic Rhyming Dictionary is a wonderful tool for finding rhyming words as well as occurrences of particular words in literature and contained within famous quotes!KidsClick and Yahooligans are especially designed for elementary students. Google Anywho AltaVista Yahooligans! All the Web KidsClick Teoma ERIC Database Vivisimo IPL Reference Kartoo Ref Desk Semantic Rhyming Dictionary
For additional practice in defining a search strategy, complete the Four NETS worksheet located in your Blackboard course.