Comparing/contrasting two research sites

This is an introductory lesson for learning to use Searchasaurus and Kids Search on EBSCOhost in Pioneer. Students will work in groups of two, each groups working in one of the search sites. Each group will be given a specific science topic. The group will determine wht types of information can be gleaned about their assigned topic from their assigned sits.

With classroom teacher

40 minutes

2

1. A computer for every student
2. 13-15 topics, 1 for every two students
3. Features of the Site Worksheet (see Supporting Files)

Goals & Objectives:

Students will be able to:

1. Accurately determine what types of information can be found in both Searchasaurus and Kid's Search.
2. Students will cooperate and participate in group work.
3. Groups will present to the class, what types of information they found on their topic.
4. Students will write a short, 1-page paper on what they liked best about their search sources and what they liked least.

Procedures:

1. Teacher will demonstrate with computer and smart board how to log in to Pioneer, then EBSCOhost, then each of the search options.  Explain that each search option gives different types of results and options.  Part of their job is to determine what forms of information can be gleaned from the site and for what specific purposes would a student use the particular site. 
2. Students will be allowed to explore their site for 10-15 minutes, practicing how to access the site, etc.
3. Each two students will use one of the sites to research their assigned topic.  Two groups will have the same topic, but explore different sites. 
4. Each group will fill out the Reasearching Radical Sites worksheet about the features of their assigned site.
5. Each group (four students) with the same topic, will briefly report to the class what types of information they found on their topics (5-6 min. max.)
6. Students will write a 1-pge paper on what features they liked the best and which they liked the least.
7. The entire class will discuss the features and which site would be best for specific types of research.