Developing Electronic Search Strategies and Resource Selection

A Freshman Information Literacy Activity 

An introduction to the unit
An explanation of the task 
How we will accomplish the process
 The resources we will use 
 Definitions used in the unit


Activity 1- Subject search | Activity 2 - Keyword search | Activity 3 - Subscription Databases|
Activity4 - Cite a source| Activity 5 - Copy and paste | Activity 6 - The evaluation worksheet |
Activity 7 - Internet search engines | Activity 8 - The Packet |
Your teacher's requirements
ChemPhysics Post Test

    Introduction

• Which internet based resources will you use?
• What kind of search will you do?
• How will you state your search strategy?
• How will you know if your sources are any good?
• How will you cite your internet based sources?
• Will you print your information or email it to yourself?

This project is designed to introduce search strategies and resources for today's information age.

The Task or Quest

To develop a quality search strategy
and determine which electronic resource(s)
meet your specific information needs.

To complete the task or quest you will need the following skills which align with the
Arizona Technology Standards

• skill in framing questions which define the information needed
  
• skill in determining the appropriate database for the information needed
  
• skill in following directions and on-screen instructions
  
• skill in using key words and logical connectors
  
• skill in analyzing titles, headings and citations
  
• skill in creating citations
  
• skill in maneuvering through the pages of the internet
  
• skill in saving and printing information
  
• skill in evaluating information for accuracy, objectivity and relevancy.
  

  How we will accomplish the Process 

The following is an overview of the activities

• Each student will select a topic sentence from a prepared list
  
• Each student will be given a worksheet to use in identifying a selected topic sentence, subject, and key words.
  
• Each student will use an on-line encyclopedia to locate and print general information on the topic.
  
• Each student will print out evaluation worksheets to be used in selected activities.
  
• Each student will print out articles and complete evaluations of the printed articles.
  
• Each student will correctly cite the sources following a style guide.
  
• Each student will submit the complete packet of worksheet, articles and evaluations to the classroom instructor.

      The Resources we will use
Subscription Services located on the MdN LRTC home page

Infotrac (by the Gale Group) Two databases containing thousands of curriculum-targeted primary documents, biographies, topical essays, background information, critical analyses, full-text coverage of 800 magazines, over 10,000 photographs and illustrations, and more than 8 hours of audio and video clips.  A larger version of the Infotrac database is available at Tempe Public Library with a public library card.

Worldbookonline An on-line encyclopedia which offers information, graphics and links to other web information.

Search engine links available from the MdN LRTC home page

 
Your teacher's assignment

Once you have completed all five activities you should be able to put all the parts together.  You are competent in developing a search strategy, and in understanding how the various resources work.  You should also be able to evaluate the resources/information that you have found. Now you have the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned.

Definitions used in the unit

  
Now you know a lot more about the resources available to you. No more guesswork when searching for information. You should be proud of yourselves! You can use what you've learned to quickly and efficiently locate and evaluate information for any of your school and personal needs. Are there other sites to still be explored? Absolutely! You will have many opportunities in other classes to continue this process. Remember, learning never stops and

Activity 1- Subject search| Activity 2 - Keyword search| Activity 3 - Subscription Databases|
Activity4 - Cite a source| Activity 5 - Copy and paste | Activity 6 - The evaluation worksheet|
Activity 7 - Internet search engines | Activity 8 - The Packet |
Your teacher's requirements