9th - 12th Grade Search Lesson

In this lesson we will focus on the following two ideas:

• Domain Extensions and the site: syntax (See 6-8th Grade Lesson Plan)
• Finding current research

Set Up: Each student with their own computer or device or as close as possible.

Prime the Pump: When learning to do research not only is it worth your time to do in depth research, but also to find the most current research out there on your subject. From today on, I will not accept websites as resources that are older than 3 years.

Domain Extensions and using the site: syntax Follow the 6-8th grade lesson plan as this is relevant here as well. Narrowing down your search by date As you search for information on Google, Google allows you to set a date range using the menu on the left hand side to refine your search by date. Because information changes so quickly having relevant information that is up to date is a must. Find the date range area "Search Tools” link right under the search box. Create a custom date range from today’s date going back 3 years. You will notice the search results change as you set the date range. Depending on how fast information within your topic is changing you can widen or narrow the dates in which you search. As a rule of thumb, 3 years is a good range for any data you need for research papers in school.

On Their Own: Have students play with both the date range and the site: syntax to see how these two very powerful filters can be used together to get you the results you want. Depending on how much students know, you can also introduce them to the “create a phrase” as well as the AND syntax to combine more than one thought.

Homework: Watch these three videos from the Head of Google Search about advance search techniques to help you be more efficient in your searching. Searching With Google Words Matter Advance Searching

 

From the millions of results we can look at how the Chinese government views global warming. Once I do this search, I might do a search for other countries and their take on global warming. I can then compare and contrast the information that is coming from different countries and what each country is doing, not doing, or what they believe is the cause of global warming.

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Other Search Lesson Plans

6-8 Lesson Plan3-5 Lesson PlanK-2 Lesson PlanReasoning