Searching the Web Effectively

Introduction

    Imagine being able to plan a complete vacation from the luxury of your own classroom! Travelers on the hunt for top-quality vacation opportunities need look no further than the World Wide Web.  You are going to a destination for at least a 7 day vacation, searching for relevant travel information, designing a "Trip Package" as if you were a travel agent, and developing a two-page brochure to promote your trip. Your motivation is that you will get an all expense paid trip if you get enough people to go with you.  So make it look good!

Task

    You will become proficient using Boolean Search Logic in search engines to locate facts on the internet to complete a Travel Poster Brochure.  Working in groups of two or three, you will be required to search websites that will be provided for you, as well as ones you find on your own, to create an brochure for a dream vacation trip. 

Process

    Throughout this webquest you are going to learn how to use the internet as a research tool.  You will complete various assignments that will prepare you for the final project. 

The following are your assignments:

1.    To begin, you will first have to understand the basics of the internet.  Click on Intro. to the net to see  your first assignment .

(Note: When you open the document, make a copy and rename.  You should rename WebSearch_Lastname.Firstname)

2.    Now that you have a basic understanding of  the internet, you will need to learn how to navigate through websites using links.  Your assignment is to answer all the questions in Scavenger Hunt 1.
(Note:  You will have to search through the site in order to find the correct answers.  Not all of the answers will be on the "Home Page".  For example, you may have to scroll up and down pages or click on the several links to find your answer.  Remember to make a copy of this sheet and rename (Scavhunt_Lastname.Firstname)

3.    Now you are going to learn about "search engines" and how to use them.  The purpose of this assignment is to help you eliminate useless hours of unsuccessful searching.

Use the followings handout to evaluate different search engines: Search Engine Rankings.  Remember to make a copy and rename (SearchEngine_Lastname.Firstname)

4.    Refer to the Boolean Logic site to learn about boolean logic.  Fill out the Boolean Logic Worksheet (remember to make a copy and rename) as you go through the site.  Once you have read through the site, find the following: (if one "search string" doesn't work try another one)

            1)     A picture of George W. Bush's Dog
            2)     A picture of the Green Lantern (Hint: one of the "Superfriends")
            3)     A picture of the current President of the Philippines

5.    Complete  Scavenger Hunt 2.  You should check out this sample assignment.  This is a good example of proper formatting.  Answers are numbered, complete sentences are used, and the URL of the site where the information was found is listed after the answer in parenthesis.
(Remember to make a copy and rename: ScavHunt2_Lastname.Firstname)

6.    With your partner(s), you are to complete a Travel Brochure that takes you outside of the United States.  This is your first Webquest.  Make sure you read the directions carefully and follow each step.  Ask questions if you have them!! 

Evaluation

    Your comprehensive final project grade will be based on the following components:

        1)        Completion of all handouts.(You must have the right answers for full credit)

• Intro to the net
• Scavenger Hunt 1
• Search Engine Rankings
• Boolean Logic Worksheet
• Scavenger Hunt 2
• Travel Poster Brochure

        2)        Completion of the Travel Poster Brochure, including a log of web sites used and web notes.

Conclusions

    Throughout this activity you have learned how to navigate and use the internet to find information.  The internet is becoming more and more a part of our lives, causing us to rely on the access and ease to which information can be attained.  Knowing how to use this tool is no longer optional but required to be successful in a digital world. 

    This unit, evaluating and citing sources, and effectively searching the internet may be some of the most valuable skill sets you will learn this year.  I also hope you have enjoyed your first Web Quest!

Common Core State Standard Alignment:

7.RH.7         Integrate visual information (e.g., in charts, graphs, photographs, videos, or maps) with other information in print and digital texts.

7.WHST.6   Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas clearly and efficiently.

7.WHST.8   Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.