Learning Activity

Researching Independently Using Advanced Search Tools

Subject Area

English Language Arts

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

After learning to use database advanced tools with teacher support, students will repeat the process with a topic of their choice. Students will apply knowledge of advanced search tools such as term, field, Boolean operators, wildcards, and search limiters. Students will note how the search results change when additional search tools are employed and various research strategies are used.

English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 9

ELA21.9.22

Use a variety of search tools and research strategies.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.9.22

Vocabulary

  • Search tools
  • Research strategies

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Methods to use search tools, such as library databases and search engines.
  • Research strategies, such as keyword search and boolean search.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use various search tools and research strategies.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are multiple strategies and tools to use when researching a topic.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 10

ELA21.10.22

Use a variety of search tools and research strategies to locate credible sources.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.10.22

Vocabulary

  • Search tools
  • Research strategies
  • Credible sources

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Methods to use search tools, such as library databases and search engines.
  • Research strategies, such as keyword search and boolean search.
  • Strategies to locate credible information that is accurate and reliable.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use various search tools and research strategies to find credible information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are multiple strategies and tools to use when researching a topic.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 11

ELA21.11.25

Use a variety of search tools and research strategies to locate credible sources.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.11.25

Vocabulary

  • Search tools
  • Research strategies
  • Credible sources

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Methods to use search tools, such as library databases and search engines.
  • Research strategies, such as keyword search and boolean search.
  • Strategies to locate credible information that is accurate and reliable.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use various search tools and research strategies to find credible information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are multiple strategies and tools to use when researching a topic.
English Language Arts (2021) Grade(s): 12

ELA21.12.25

Use a variety of search tools and research strategies to locate and acquire credible, relevant, and useful information.

Unpacked Content

UP:ELA21.12.25

Vocabulary

  • Search tools
  • Research strategies
  • Credible sources
  • Relevant sources

Knowledge

Students know:
  • Methods to use search tools, such as library databases and search engines.
  • Research strategies, such as keyword search and boolean search.
  • Strategies to locate credible, relevant, useful information that is accurate and reliable.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Use various search tools and research strategies to find credible, relevant, and useful information.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • There are multiple strategies and tools to use when researching a topic.

Phase

After/Explain/Elaborate
Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Students will use a variety of search tools and research strategies to locate information in a database.

Activity Details

  1. Review the class advanced search with students. Remind them about the advanced search tools and point out the terms, fields, Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT), and the search limiters (date, full-text, etc.) and how they can be used to adjust research strategies to locate information
  2. Tell the students that they will independently be using the search tools that you used together during the class search. They may use an assigned or self-selected topic depending on your goal for their research.
  3. Share the Individual Advanced Search documents with students. Students may fill in the answers to the questions on the document electronically or may write answers if they have been provided a print copy of the document. 
  4. Several questions ask for an article title or permalink. Share with students that they should not copy and paste the URL. They should click “Get Link” on the upper right corner of the page. 
Assessment Strategies

Assessment Strategies

  • The teacher will observe students as they participate in the activity to determine if each student was able to effectively use a variety of search tools and research strategies to locate information in the selected database.
  • The teacher will evaluate each student’s completed Individual Advanced Search document. If a specific research topic is selected, the teacher can create a key with correct answers. If students self-select a research topic, the teacher could have students swap papers to see if another student could replicate the same answers with the advanced search features.
  • Students may submit permalinks to relevant search results for teacher evaluation. 
  • The teacher will review the permalinks submitted with the Individual Advanced Search document to ensure each student located relevant and credible information.

Acceleration

Students may use a different database of their choice to search for information.

Intervention

  • Students may partner with another student to conduct the independent advanced search. 
  • The teacher could create an anchor chart or handout that identifies the meaning and use of each advanced search feature. For example:* = Wildcard, broadens a search by finding words that start with the same letters. motivat* will find motivate, motivates, motivation, motivational

 

 

Approximate Duration

Total Duration

31 to 45 Minutes

Related Learning Activities

Learning Activity (Before)

Identifying Database Advanced Search Tools

Learning Activity (During)

Narrowing Your Search Using Advanced Search Tools

Learning Activity (After)

Researching Independently Using Advanced Search Tools

Background and Preparation

Background / Preparation

Teacher Preparation:  The teacher will need to determine a search topic or plan to have the students self-select a research topic. The teacher should be comfortable with database advanced searches and know and know the meaning of term, field, Boolean, keyword, subject, limiter, and wildcard. The students will need a digital or print copy of the class search handout. 

Student Preparation:  Students should have participated in the Before Activity Identifying Database Advanced Search Tools and During Activity Narrowing Your Search With Advanced Search Tools and know the meaning of term, field, Boolean, keyword, subject, limiter, and wildcard. They should have a digital device with access to Alabama Virtual Library so that they may research independently.

Materials and Resources

Materials and Resources

Teacher Materials:

Student Materials:

Digital Tools / Resources

Alabama Virtual Library
https://www.avl.lib.al.us/
Individual Advanced Search Document
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KWcHLhA2w9jW3P8b3URjCrAX3mA79VAk5EWaohRpVjM…

Approved Date

Owner (Author)

szana
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