Research and Apply

Students will:

• Be able to generate questions around a specific topic.
• Be able to use search engines in order to find information on a given topic.
• Be able to synthesize information obtained into a shared presentation on a given topic.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Research: To research is to investigate materials and sources to locate facts.
2. Search Engine: A search engine is a program that searches and identifies information in a database by looking for keywords or characters identified by the user. 

To prepare for this lesson:

• The teacher should decide which search engine(s) students will use. Possible options include:
  • Safesearchkids.com
  • Kidrex.com
  • Wackysafe.com
  • Kiddle.co
• The teacher should have a working knowledge of the search engine they are going to have the students use.
• The teacher should also decide on a general topic for the students to research.
• Decide how and where students will record information obtained during their search (e.g., notecards, Google Doc, and/or paper)
• The teacher will create a shared Google Slides presentation and assign each student a different slide. 

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher will introduce the topic to the class (ex: National Parks, animals, influential scientists, Presidents, Weather Phenomenon, etc.).
2. The teacher will explain the way in which search engines work and that students will increase the likelihood of finding exactly what they are looking for if they put thought into their search terms and questions.
3. Brainstorm as a class a list of questions that need to be answered about the topic (e.g., What does your animal look like? Where does it live?).
4. Based on these questions compile a list of search terms/phrases students might use to find specific information (e.g., When was George Washington born? or George Washington’s Birthdate)
5. The teacher will model how to use the search engine; specifically what words to type in the search bar and how to choose a webpage to visit.
6. The teacher will lead a discussion regarding how to find the information they are looking for once they have discovered a webpage to use. Students will need modeling of how to skim and scan the web page to find what they need. (e.g., look for keywords or phrases, look at headings)
7. Provide paper, notecards, or a shared Google Doc for students to record the answers to their questions.
8. Guide the students to the search engine on the Web. 
9. Once the students have finished collecting data by using a search engine, they will synthesize the information collected onto a single slide within a shared Google Slides presentation.
10. Once every student has designed his/her slide, the presentation will be viewed by the entire class. Students may be asked to read and/or explain their slide.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• ​Teacher may use an observation checklist:
  • I can determine the best words to use in the search bar.
  • I am able to skim and scan a web page to find specific information.
  • I can record key pieces of information.
  • ​I can present that information in a new way, using Google Slides.