Internet for Educators

Module 2

Using Search Engines

A Search Engine is used to locate information on the Internet. Two very good Search Engines are Google and Alta Vista.  If you prefer, you may use any other Search Engine you are familiar with. This module will cover the basic screens and tools of Alta Vista and Google.

   Using the Internet Explorer Search Button

      Using Search Engines - Alta Vista for Images

     Using Search Engines - Google for Web Pages 

 Using the Internet Explorer Search Button
Activity 1: Using the Internet Explorer Search Button

1.Click on the Search button on the standard toolbar. The Search Explore Bar appears.  The default search engine is MSN. In the “Find a web page containing ___” Section, type the word Olympics. MSN shows the first 10 of thousands of “hits”. These are hyperlinks. Click on a link to see a page. Notice that the Search Explorer Bar stays open. To try your search with other Search engines, click on the down arrow beside the “Next” button on the Explore Toolbar. Choose AltaVista. AltaVista displays a list of matching topics and the first 10 of thousands of “hits”.

Try the same search with some of the other search engines

Hyperlinks on a web page are text, buttons, or graphics that take you to other pages or web sites when you click on them. You can see the address of the page or web site that the hyperlink points to pop up in the status bar when you place the mouse pointer on the hyperlink. You will also notice the appearance of the mouse pointer change to a pointing finger when you point to a hyperlink.

 

 Using Search Engines - AltaVista for Pictures
Activity 2: Using Search Engines - AltaVista for Pictures

1.In the Address bar, type www.altavista.com . Hit the Enter key on your keyboard. This address takes you to the homepage of the search engine AltaVista. AltaVista contains some interesting features, including the ability to search the web for pictures.

2.Click the link beside Try your search in: Images

3. Type the keyword dinosaur. Check the boxes labeled Photos and Graphics. Click the Search button. AltaVista displays thumbnails of images found on the web with the word dinosaur in the image name. To go to the Web page that contains the image, click the image.

Please read the Disclaimer. Make sure you understand and follow Copyright laws. If you want to read more about Copyright in an electronic environment, the Department of Public Instruction has a very good document available at the following link: http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/copyright1.html

 

Using Search Engines - Google for Web Pages
Activity 3: Using Search Engines - Google for Web Pages

1.In the Address bar, type www.google.com .Hit the "Enter" key on the keyboard.

2. Try some searches for web sites about your grade level/subject area. For example, type "Grade 8" Math Puzzles and click the Search Button. Google returns the first 10 of over 1200 "hits". You may see additional pages by usinf the page numbers at the bottom of the list.

3. Refine your search by clicking on the link labeled Search Within Results. This allows you to add descriptors, such as Geometry or logic.

Back to Index

You have now completed this module. Take a few minutes to review and practice what you have learned. If you are through for this session, close all programs, being sure to save any work. You may now begin the next module by clicking on the Back to Index link on this page and then clicking on the next module on the homepage of this course.