Search Strategies

Learning Goal: Students will be able to:

  • List appropriate search terms for finding sources for their topics

  • Combine search terms with boolean operators as a strategy for finding sources

Introduction: WordClouds.com Demonstration: Use word clouds to pick out search terms!

AASL Learning Standard

When you search online databases, you must have appropriate search terms to find relevant results.

Directions:

Search Terms

  1. Using the Search Terms worksheet below, brainstorm to create a list of keywords or concepts, synonyms or related words, and broader or narrower topics.

  2. Use Snappy Words to find more related words.

  3. Use the Library of Congress Subject Headings to find variants, broader and narrower terms, and related terms.

Combine Search Terms with Boolean Operators

  1. Fill in the blanks with AND, OR, and NOT.

  2. Use Boolify to practice combining your search terms.

  3. In EBSCO, combine search terms to find sources for your research.

Tomorrow: Source Evaluation

1.1.1 Follow an inquiry-based process in seeking knowledge in curricular subjects and make the real world connection for using this process in own life.

1.1.2 Use prior and background knowledge as context for new learning.

1.1.3 Develop and refine a range of questions to frame search for new understanding.

1.1.4 Find, evaluate, and select appropriate sources to answer questions.

1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning.

1.2.1 Display initiative and engagement by posing questions and investigating the answers beyond the collection of superficial facts.

1.2.5 Demonstrate adaptability by changing the inquiry focus, questions, resources, or strategies when necessary to achieve success.

1.2.6 Display emotional resilience by persisting in information searching despite challenges.

1.2.7 Display persistence by continuing to pursue information to gain a broad perspective.

1.3.2 Seek divergent perspectives during information gathering and assessment.

1.4.1 Monitor own information seeking processes for effectiveness and progress, and adapt as necessary.

1.4.3 Monitor gathered information and assess for gaps or weaknesses.

3.1.5 Connect learning to community issues.

Common Core Standards

CC.11-12.W.7

Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

General Learner Outcomes

  • Complex Thinker

  • Quality Producer

  • Effective Communicator

  • Effective & Ethical User of Technology

Habits of Mind

  • Striving for Accuracy

  • Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations

  • Thinking & Communicating with Clarity & Precision

  • Remaining Open to Continuous Learning