Searching Tips

Read "Search tips" or "help" if offered at a particular site. You may want to print these out to use as a quick reference.
Use Boolean search tools (AND, OR, NOT, + , -, etc..) whenever possible.

AND (+) - only returns pages with both terms on them, this limits the search.

OR- returns every page with either term, this broadens the search.

NOT (-) - returns the pages with one and not the other term on them, this limits the search.

Use singular nouns rather than plural. This will give you the greatest returns on your search.
For general words, use all lower-case. Capitalize proper names.
Make sure that all words are spelled correctly.
If you enclose phrases in quotes, this may help limit your search. Example: "Internet lessons" will only return documents in which this exact phrase appears, and not all documents in which either of the words "Internet" or "lessons" appears.
Use the "*" operator for strings. Examples: micro* matches microscope and microcomputer.

Always Remember

Use more specific Educational search engines when you want to find something that your students can use.
Use one or two search engines frequently as you get to know them well. This will help you find your information efficiently.
Keep in mind that information found on the web is not always correct or valid. Be sure to evaluate the site for credibility.

This page was updated on: 04/10/02