Web Search Engine Lesson Plans

Students examine how search engines, directories, and meta-search engines work and compare and contrast their various features. They discuss what a search engine is and develop a list of search engines they have used, read and discuss a worksheet, and complete their worksheets while conducting Internet research.

Sixth graders discover a variety of electronic resources. In this research skills lesson plan, 6th graders explore the role of search engines, directories, and meta-search engines in searching for electronic resources.

Students discover how to navigate the Internet. In this technology lesson plan, students compare the difference between search engines and metasearch engines as they conduct searches regarding topics of their choosing.

Students share opinions about the criteria they consider important in an online search engine. Using Google and Yahoo, they investigate various subjects and compare their search results. To synthesize their findings, students prepare recommendations.

A thorough introduction to using and understanding search engines gives children practice finding primary source documents. A fun Internet scavenger hunt (which is included) gives an opportunity for individual practice, and can also be used as an assesment piece. This could easily be adapted for any grade level.  

Students practice researching on the Internet using various search engines.

Students recognize the difference between news stories and advertisements in search engines.  In this information gathering lesson, students understand the necessary terminology to differentiate between ads and news. Students answer questions about media literacy.

Transform your class into a butterfly museum! Research different types of butterflies, their habitats, and life cycles. Interactive components such as PowerPoint presentations, Claymation movies and webpages add pizzaz to the museum displays. The kids utilize various search engines to complete assignments.

Students use keywords in a search engine to complete research and answer questions. In this internet instructional activity, students utilize handouts embedded in the plan which have them devise their own search strategies to find information. Students utilize strategies such as; using multiple keywords, synonyms, and alternative words and phrases. A well-designed instructional activity!

Ask your students to explain how to successfully find information on the Internet, focusing on how to select the keywords that lead to the best information on a topic and by navigating and evaluating a number of Internet search engines. They will then create a user guide for other students to have for their searches.