Grade Level: 12
(Unit may be adapted to any class using computer lab online activities.)

Subject Area:  Business & Language Arts

Learner Outcomes:

    The student will

1. gain knowledge of vocabulary related to online research techniques
2. gain knowledge of available browsers and search engines
3. gain knowledge of Boolean terminology and punctuation
4. determine the most effective search engine necessary to research a specific topic/subject (individual search engines vs. meta-search engines)
5. gain knowledge of effective techniques for conducting Internet searches
6. gain knowledge of appropriate methods for citing references from Internet sources in order to avoid plagiarism

Materials:

Handout: Internet Search Terms
Handout:  Browsers and Search Engines List
Handout:  Boolean Terms & Punctuation
Handout:  Internet Search Crossword Puzzle
Handout:  Browsers & Search Engines Word Search

Computer Lab with Internet Access
Computer Projection LCD Device
Crossword Puzzle Software Program

The language arts teacher will work collaboratively with the business education teacher in completion of the state-mandated senior research project and/or electronic portfolio through the use of effective Internet search tools.

1. Student will receive copy of Internet Search Terms handout and will preview terms as teacher identifies these items while online using an LCD projector
2. Student will complete a crossword puzzle of Internet Search Terms and their definitions
3. Student will receive copy of Browsers and Search Engines List handout and preview to be made aware of the different browsers and search engines available for research
4. Student will complete a word search puzzle to identify some of the browsers and search engines available
5. Student will receive copy of list of Boolean Terms & Punctuation
6. Student will go online to learn Web Search Strategies and to complete an online tutorial in which student will:  use subject directories and describe difference between a subject directory and a search engine; use implied and full Boolean logic, phrase searching, truncation, and field searching effectively; identify key concepts, synonyms, and variant word forms in their search topic; use key search engines effectively; use meta-search engines; use specialty databases when appropriate; and apply search strategies and techniques
7. Student will understand meta-searches more fully by going online to learn what meta-search engines are, the limitations of meta-search engines, and features of recommended meta-search engines
8. Student will compare/contrast individual search engines vs. meta-search engines
9. Student will go online to sites to identify search engines which are effective for specific searching (specific subjects, areas, geographic locations, etc.)
10. Student will view on-line examples of the MLA style of citing references found on Internet
11. Student will demonstrate ability to correctly cite references by locating and citing an on-line source for each of the following:  scholarly project, professional site, personal site, book, poem, article in a reference database, article in a journal, article in a magazine

1. Teachers should team teach
2. Teachers can also use peer tutoring and/or small group work
3. Teacher should determine the need for student assistance based on Inclusion and request a special education teacher and/or aide be present during lesson instruction & activities.

1. Crossword puzzle
2. Word search puzzle
3. Online web searching strategies activity
4. Compare/contrast individual search engines vs. meta-search engines
5. Identify search engines which are effective for specific searches
6. View online examples of MLA style of citing references
7. Locate and cite a variety of online sources

1. Class participation
2. Teacher observation
3. Completion of crossword puzzle
4. Completion of word search puzzle
5. Comparison and contrast paragraph/s
6. List of search engines identified for specific searches
7. List of cited references

Language Arts: 12.38, 12.52, 12.78, 12.86, 12.88, 12.93
Process/Workplace Goals:
    Communications:  PW.2
    Technology:  PW.27, 33
    Self Management:  PW.40
Vocational Instructional Goals and Objectives:
    Advanced Computer Application:  ACA 19 and ACA 20

For Further Information:

Abigail Reynolds
West Virginia State Dept. of Education
National Standards

       Berkemeyer, Kathy, Don Mayo, and Cathy Vesecky.  Learning the Internet, 2nd     ed.  New York:  DDC Publishing, Inc., 1998.

     Crosswords  & Word Games.  Expert Software.

     Web Search Strategies.  25 Oct. 99.  Debbie Flanagan.  26 Oct. 99
       <http://home.sprintmail.com/~debflanagan/main.html>.

     Meta Search Engines.  19 Aug. 99.  25 Oct. 99.
        <http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/MetaSearch.html>.

     Internet Search Tools, The Library of Congress.  29 July 99.  25 Oct. 99.
      <http://lcweb.loc.gov/global/search.html#all>.

     MLA Style.   9 July 98.  Modern Language Association of America.  26 Oct. 99.
       <http://www.mla.org/main_stl-nf.htm#sources>.

Authors: Terri H. Burgess  | Natalie Cook  | Mary Ruth Hale  | Man High School

Date Modified:

Attachments:

Internet Search Terms Crossword Puzzle
Browsers and Search Engines Reference List
Boolean Terms & Punctuation Handout
Internet Search Terms
Browsers & Search Engines Word Search