Just the Facts

Students will:

• Be able to know the importance of using reliable sites to find information.
• Be able to review how to narrow their searches down using key words.
• Be exposed to various websites including MeL Library.
• Be able to explore websites.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Search: To search is to look for information on the internet.

2. Reliable: Information or sites worthy of trust are reliable.

3. Results: Results are what is produced during a search based on keywords. 

To prepare for this lesson:

• Watch the video on searching
• To use MEL Kids, go to Mel library, select KIDS and then select LEARN
• Get acquainted with MeL searches first before demonstrating.
  • Good databases to show are Encyclopedia Britannica School (Elementary), World Book Kids and Explora for Primary School.

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

Directions for this activity:

1. Show the video on safe searching.
2. Review with students the importance of using reliable websites for research.
3. The teacher will  choose the databases and demonstrate how to use them. 
   1. SHOW MeL.org first
   2. Good databases to share in in MeL are: Encyclopedia Britannica School (Elementary), World Book Kids and Explora for Primary School. 
4. Others to consider (time permitting)
   1. Kid Rex
   2. Google SafeSearch for Kids

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding
• Exit ticket: Have students explore. Give students a  topic. Have them find 1-2 facts on a given topic using sites given. Have them cite where their information came from. (Students may not have been shown how to properly cite a source yet. Students should at least indicate where they found their information. )