Introduction

The Internet Resources

Search Directories

• Yahoo - Yahoo is an example of a search directory. These directories are organized by humans, and are good to use for general information, and for finding information on a topic when you don't have a precise idea of what you need. (yahoo.com).

Search Engines

• Google - Google is an example of a search engine. A search engine is organized by a special computer program. You use keywords to search, and it is essential to apply techniques that narrow results and push the most relevant pages to the top of the results list. Using 'and' narrows your search, and using 'or' expands your search. When you get results, you can look for similar pages. You can also copy the link of a good website you have found and, while in google, type 'link: (plus the address of that good website). This will help you to find pages that use your page as a link. (www.google.com)

• Dogpile - A metasearch engine...looks at 8 different search engines as well as newsgroups and other types of internet sources. (http://www.dogpile.com/)

Search Strategies

• Four Nets for Better Searching - Here is a great page to learn more about effective search strategies. It can also be adapted and used with your students. (http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/fournets.htm)

Search Helpers

• Vivisimo - A clustering search engine that gives you different ideas for other categories which might provide useful information. (http://vivisimo.com/)

• Teoma - A metasearch engine which provides relevant webpages, suggestions for refining your search, and link collections from experts and enthusiasts. (http://teoma.com/)

• Yahooligans - A kid-friendly directory and search engine. (http://www.yahooligans.com/)

• One Key - A kid friendly search engine. (http://www.onekey.com/)