A WebQuest Search for Fifth Graders
         [Return to M]
Designed by Mrs. Bryant
 Introduction: We live in the Information Age and information is powerful. Search engines and databases are powerful tools that can work for you. Can you think faster than a computer can calculate? NO! Are you smarter than a computer? YES! Just like computers, search engines are dumb, but much faster than you; so put them to work for you to acquire the information you need.

Finding what information you want online or in a database is an important skill in this Age of Information. If you understand how search engines differ and how they organize information and run queries, you can improve your chances of finding pertinent URLs for your projects. In this WebQuest you will explore a variety of search engines and search strategies that will allow you to conduct future searches with ease and confidence.

You will work in teams of two. One of you will be the Navigator who will execute the searches by following the instructions in the text provided. The other will be the Scribe and will record the search results and conclusions on the WebQuest search document. Be sure to change roles with your partner after each search section.


 

   The Quest: You and your partner will review several search engines, compare search techniques, and evaluate results. Your research will involve experience with the following online and electronic databases:
 Ask Jeeves for Kids

KidsClick!

Yahooligans

Winnebago Patron Catalog

Read all search directions carefully and check for any unfamiliar terms. You can look these up at Websterís dictionary site: http://www.m-w.com/netdict.htm. Be sure to record your answers as you complete each section. Gentlemen (and Ladies), Start Your ENGINES! First, refer to your paper, then complete the sections in whatever order you and you partner choose. But, be sure to complete all sections of the Quest.


 
 
 

ASK JEEVES for KIDS

 This search engine will ask you questions in response to your query. It thinks it knows what response you want based on how you enter your search query.

Your Quest for this section will be to compare keyword searches and natural language searches.

Your assignment will be to locate pictures and information about Tiger Woods, and discover his first name. You can get to the ASK JEEVES for KIDS home page by clicking on the blue hyperlink.
 
 

 Search 1. To get the information you need, type your query in natural language (a question), in the search box. Have Jeeves check your spelling for you before you click on the ASK button.

         Did you find the answer to your query at this website?
 

         Did you find Jeeves' questions useful in finding your information?
 

         Did you find a website with pictures and background information that
         included Tiger Woods' first name?

 Search 2. Conduct a search for the same information using keywords. Enter what you think are the keywords that will get you the information you are seeking. Jeeves will give you another set of questions. Choose the one that best fits your query and then click the ASK button. Did you find the answer to your question?


In summary ...

                                 In the first Search, you conducted a "natural language" search.

                                             What did Jeeves do for you?
 
 

                                              Did Jeeves search every word in you query?
 

                                               Did Jeeves search for "keywords" in your query?
 

                                               What did you find intriguing about ASK JEEVES for KIDS?

Return to QUEST
 
 
 

  KIDSCLICK!

The search engine, KIDSCLICK! is a favorite site for Librarians because it directs young users to useful and age appropriate web sites, and it is the result of the creative genius of fellow librarians!

          Go to the KIDSCLICK! home page and try its ingenius search features.

          From the home page, select the Advanced Search Feature.

          How many search fields are there?

          Can you search by reading levels?

          Can you limit the number of pictures in your search?
 
 

Does KidsClick! allow you to truncate search words by using an asterisk (*)?

What Boolean connectors does KidsClick! allow?

 Search 1. In the search dialog box, select the ALL fields button and enter the word hockey.

          Press enter to submit your search.

          How many hits did you find?


Search 2.
 

In the dialog box at the bottom of the screen, enter a search for hockey AND field,   remember to select ALL fields.             How many hits did you find?

            What did using the AND connector do to your search?
 
 

 In summary ... Review your results:

Does the Advanced Search Feature allow you to use the AND Boolean connector as well as the OR and NOT operators?
 

What did you find intriguing about KidsClick!?
 


Return to QUEST

  YAHOOLIGANS The developers of Yahoo developed Yahooligans especially for kids.

It has links to a wide variety of safe educational sites.

Conduct the following "Natural Language" and "Category" searches and compare their results.
 
 
 
 

Search 1.  (Natural Language Search)
 

              In the search box, enter this query: Does Colorado have an NHL hockey team?

                         How many category matches were found?

                         How many site matches were found?

                         Were you successful in answering your query?

                  Review your answers:  Does Yahooligans accept natural language searches?
  Search 2.   (Category Search)

Keeping the same query  (Does Colorado have an NHL hockey team?), select the category Sports and Recreation on the Yahooligans home page.

     Scroll to Hockey and select it.

     Scroll to National Hockey League and select it.

     In the search box, type the word Colorado, and enter.

     Next to the search button select Search ? Just this Category.

      Now click on search.

          How many site matches were found?

          How many category matches were found?

 In summary ... Which search technique did you prefer using to answer your query, Natural Language or Category?
 

Why?


Return to QUEST


 
 

 NOTE: The following part of the Quest can only be performed on the Middlesettlements Elementary School Library Server.

(At this point in the QUEST, you will exit Netscape and finish the QUEST by
                      Clicking on the Winnebago Icon on the desktop.)
 
 

WINNEBAGO PATRON CATALOG

The Winnebago Patron Catalog is an automated database that provides information about the Library Media Center collection.

Open the Winnebago Patron Catalog and explore the Simple Search, Subject Search, Keyword Search, and Expanded Search options using the following directions:

Select the Simple Search feature.

Search 1.

In the search box, enter the name, Jackie Robinson.

Select the Key Word button, then select search.

How many materials did you find?

Search 2.

In the search box, enter the name Jackie Robinson.

Select the Subjects button, then select search.

How many materials did you find?

Search 3.
 

In the search box, enter the name, Robinson, Jackie.

Select the Key Word button, then select search.

How many materials did you find?

Search 4.
 

In the search box, enter the name, Robinson, Jackie.

Select the Subjects button, then select search.

How many materials did you find?

What conclusion can you draw about entering
names when doing searches in the Patron Catalog?
 
 
 
 
 

 

Terrific! You were successful in locating Media Center materials about Jackie Robinson.

Now, what if you wanted to read books about other baseball players?

Try this search.

 Select the Expanded Search button.

  Search 1.

In the first search box, enter the word baseball and select the Key Word button

                                    Select the AND Boolean connector.

                                   In the second search box, enter the number 92 (for biography).

                                   Select the Call Number button. Click on the search icon.

                                   How many materials did you find?

                                   What types of books are they?

  In summary ...

How could you find fiction (story) books about baseball using this search technique? Return to QUEST
 

  Future Searches

In completing this WebQuest, you have explored a variety of search engines and search strategies. You now have a better understanding of how to conduct searches that will produce more useful results in less time, allowing you more time for other activities. Now get out there and

                                                           Rev those Search Engines!









NAMES: _____________________________________________________

Class: _________________________Date:____________________