Internet Searching

Internet Search Challenges test your strategies and tactics as you attempt to solve Internet research problems efficiently and effectively. Combine play and performance while you strengthen your Internet searching and evaluation skills.

Information below available at:  http://21cif.imsa.edu/rkitp/features/v1n1/leadarticle_v1_n1.html

1. A good strategy to emphasize is summed up in the words, “think twice before you search.” In the Digital Information Fluency Process Model, two critical decisions come BEFORE a search button is pressed.

First, think about concepts and keywords, the WHAT of the search process (also the theme of Part One of this series).

2. Next, think about WHERE a reliable answer may be found. Thinking ahead of time about the answer not only provides alternate keywords, it may provide clues about where to look.

• What expert knows the answer I am looking for? Think about the type of person that would know the answer. Who would you ask if you didn’t have access to the Internet, a book or a librarian?

• Where can I find that expert? Start by using Google, but be prepared to switch to a different search engine once you find a database where the expert’s information is

  To find a relevant database use words like DATABASE, ARCHIVE, HISTORY or INFORMATION in combination with subject matter keywords. See QuickPick in this kit for more keywords and examples.

For a practical application of these questions in a lesson, see the Inventors Mini-Lesson in this issue.

2. Check out other search engines besides Google.  Can Google google it, challenges you  to identify types of information that Google is not likely to index. Click on link and take the challenge!

Let's have a little fun

http://21cif.imsa.edu/rkitp/challenge/goldrush/goldrush_index.swf  How to get information by scanning webpages.

Let's play  Archery Challenge I: The Database Match,

It  makes a game out of learning to read Web pages and finding the doorways through which hidden information may be found. These are easy to use no logging in required!  (Note: if you encounter difficulty launching the tutorials, try substituting 'html' in place of 'swf' in the URL.)

Here are some challenges below to see how well you can search. These challenges were developed by

The Kermit Challenge Search Strategy: Find the URL of a Web Page where you can find this picture of Kermit and hear what he is saying

• Difficulty Rating: Novice

• Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 3, emphasis on Search Strategy

• ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6

   

  http://21cif.imsa.edu/tutorials/challenge/SC001/SC_002.swf

   

  The 2007 Pump Price Challenge Same problem as above, except the answer is shown in 2007 dollars. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 3, emphasis on Nyms ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6

   

  The Lego Builder's Challenge: Search Strategy: In 2003, Legoland announced a national search for model builders for its California them park. Who got the job? Difficulty Rating: Novice Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 3, emphasis on Search Strategy ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6

   

   

  	Reno Air Races: What airplane finished the Sport Qualifying race in Second place at the Reno Air Races, September 11, 2002? This one can be solved only by figuring out who might know the answer. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 2, emphasis on Databases ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6
  	Batman: The Ride: Roller Coasters: How many roller coasters named "Batman: The Ride" are located outside the United States? This can only be solved by figuring out who might know the answer. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 2, emphasis on Databases ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6
  	EarthQuake Toy Challenge: What toy models a construction principle that can reduce damage from earthquakes? This nyms challenge requires knowing what concepts in the original question are important. Difficulty Rating: Intermediate Full Circle Competencies : Locate 1, Locate 3, emphasis on Nyms ISTE NETS: 3, 5, 6

   

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