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Q1 Michigan eLibrary: Databases

9. Search Strategies

Steps

Michigan eLibrary (also known as mel.org) has a database and encyclopedia for everyone! Librarians choose the over 80+ resources for their relevancy, reliability, and safety for use at all levels. 

1. Learn how to do a proper search so that when you search
the databases in mel.org, you will find the most appropriate
information without spending too much time on your search.    

mel

2. You will research the topic of artificial intelligence and its impact on the future and use two of the databases in mel.org to learn more about it using three popular databases for middle schoolers:

  • Britannica School
  • Explora for High School

3. Use this 9.Q1 Michigan eLibrary Assignment worksheet as you go through the Quest. There are questions to be answered to help you navigate through the different databases. 

The first database TO explore

4. You will start by exploring Britannica School. It is an encyclopedia with three levels. You will use the High School level.

Britannica School

Years ago, encyclopedias were only available in book form, and schools and families would buy sets that quickly became out-of-date. As online versions became available, encyclopedias became fresh, engaging, and up-to-date resources containing articles, images, videos, and audio files. Encyclopedias are a great place to start to get general information about a topic. Most articles have links to more information about the topic.

5. Open Britannica School.

  • Click on the High School Level.
  • Search for Artificial Intelligence in the Search box. 

Search for AI in EB

Usually, the search will result in a definition of the topic or description of a person if the topic is biographical. 

There are usually articles listed with the topic embedded in them. The further you go down the results page, the less likely the results will be relevant. Stick to the first couple of articles. 

6. Play the Britannica High School YouTube video below to learn how to use Britannica HS and all of its features.  The video was created by a teacher in Athens, Michigan.

7. Open up the worksheet and do activity #1.

8. On the next page, you will learn about Explora for High School and answer the questions on the worksheet. 

Britannica High School YouTube (8:56)

Direct link.

9.Q1 VOCABULARY

9.Q1 ADVANCED SEARCH  

9.Q1 Student Checklist
 

9.Q1 Teacher Guide 

MITECS  Michigan Integrated Technology Competencies for Students, and

ISTE Standards for Students

1. Empowered Learner
d. Understand the fundamental concepts of technology operations, demonstrate the ability to choose, use and troubleshoot current technologies and are able to transfer their knowledge to explore emerging technologies

3. Knowledge Constructor
a. Plan and employ effective research strategies to locate information and other resources for their intellectual or creative pursuits
b. Evaluate the accuracy, perspective, credibility and relevance of information, media, data or other resources
c. Curate information from digital resources using a variety of tools and methods to create collections of artifacts or solving authentic problems

Websites

Videos from Outside Sources

21t4s Videos

21t4s Documents & Quizzes


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