How Internet Searches Work

Learning Resource Type

Learning Activity

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science
English Language Arts

Grade(s)

3

Overview

Students will be introduced to how an Internet search works by experts in the field and practice conducting basic keyword searches.

This activity was created as a result of the DLCS COS Resource Development Summit.

Phase

Before/Engage
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

DLCS18.3.R5

Locate and curate information from digital sources to answer research questions.

UP:DLCS18.3.R5

Vocabulary

  • curate
  • keyword
  • search engine
  • database

Knowledge

Students know:
  • that information to research questions can be obtained from digital sources.
  • how to use resources to organize information.
  • how to use resources to present or share with others.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • create a list of keywords or phrases to enter into a search engine and/or database such as the Alabama Virtual Library.
  • use additional words or punctuation to narrow search such as AND (+), OR, NOT (
  • ), and quotation marks.
  • organize information.
  • share information by creating a digital resource.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • information can be located from a digital source to answer research questions.
  • information can be organzied and shared by creating a digital resource.
Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 3

DLCS18.3.16

Conduct basic keyword searches to produce valid, appropriate results, and evaluate results for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.

UP:DLCS18.3.16

Vocabulary

  • keyword
  • search
  • valid
  • true
  • accuracy/accurate
  • relevance/relevant

Knowledge

Students know:
  • strategies to conduct keyword searches.
  • strategies evaluate the accuracy of information.
  • not all information online is valid or true.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • conduct basic keyword searches using basic words and phrases.
  • explain how they know information located online is valid or true.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • using specific keywords while searching will deliver best results.
  • not all information online is valid or true.
ELA21.3.23

Learning Objectives

Students will conduct basic keyword searches to locate and curate information from digital sources to answer a research question and evaluate results for accuracy, relevance, and appropriateness.

 

Activity Details

Students will:

  1. View and discuss Code.org’s video The Internet: How Search Works to understand how an Internet browser uses an algorithm to return search results to a user.
  2. Create a list of basic keywords they can use to search for information related to a topic of interest or a topic currently being studied with a partner or small group.  Ex. The class chooses the topic of the American Revolution. Students will generate a list of keywords to answer questions they have about the American Revolution.
  3. Students will use the list they created to conduct a basic keyword search. Students will analyze the top ten returned resources to identify if the information is relevant and appropriate for the keywords used. If not, students will make a note on the keyword list then edit the keywords to narrow the focus of the request and search again.

 

Assessment Strategies

Student keyword lists and notes will be used to determine their understanding of the standards.

 

Variation Tips

Additional opportunities to conduct keyword searches for content that is interesting to individuals (Genius Hour).

Create the job responsibility of Researcher to add to weekly classroom roles. The researcher would have a device with them during the day so when someone says “I wonder” in class, they would conduct basic keyboard searches for the class. This job would rotate to a different student each week.

 

Background / Preparation

Pre-watch Code.org’s video The Internet: How Search Works.

The Internet: How Search Works YouTube Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVV_93mBfSU&feature=youtu.be%2C%20http%3A//www…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

aprilchamberlai
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