Be clear on what information you need.  The internet is a very deep rabbit hole and it's easy to get pulled in.  Think about what information is required before you even open a search engine!

 Choose your words carefully.  Use key words and phrases, not whole sentences.  Synonyms sometimes help too!

  Add more words to narrow your search.  Typing "Washington" may bring up a state, monument, D.C., the president, a newspaper, or the football team.  But typing "Washington crossing the Delaware" will narrow the search to one of the most famous actions our first president took during the Revolutionary War.

  Use the minus "-" character to remove a word from your search.  For example typing "apple -computer" will give you information about the fruit, rather than the company.

  Locate your information.  A search engine is not a source!  It lead you to another website that has information, but has no information on it's own.  When choosing a site to investigate, make sure it is at an appropriate level for you - not too high, not too low.

  Take notes.  You might think you'll remember that cool fact - but chances are good you won't!  Also keep track of what sites you use so you can go back to it if needed.

  Evaluate your next steps.  After your search, think about what information you did not get from the source, then go back to step 1.