Finding Information on the Internet

Suzanne Webster, CIU 10 Development Center for Adults, Clearfield

LEVEL: ABE/GED

BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED:

Turning on computer

Keyboarding skills

Mouse skills

LESSON DURATION: Five 45-minute classes

MATERIALS NEEDED:

Computer with Internet access

Pencil/Paper

Handouts: Search Tips

Search Engines

Scavenger Hunt Worksheet

OBJECTIVES:

Students will:

1. Learn about the Internet and how to access it by using Netscape.
2. Learn to find information using search engines
3. Learn to use URLs and move between Web sites.
4. Explore the Internet to find information on an assigned topic.
5. Complete an Internet Scavenger Hunt using URLs and search engines.

PROCEDURES:

Lesson 1

Give brief history of the Internet.

Discuss basic Internet terminology.

Demonstrate how to get on the Internet using Netscape.

Explain parts of the Netscape screen.

Point out "Net Search" on the screen. Explain search engines using handout.

Choose a search engine.

Demonstrate how to search by using a general topic (maps).

Go through the first 20 hits to show the wide range of information.

Show how to narrow the topic (U.S. maps).

Further narrow the search (Pennsylvania maps).

As time allows, show other parts of Netscape including how to move between sites.

Lesson 2

Review instructions from Lesson 1.

Have students connect to the Internet using Netscape.

Allow students to search the Internet.

Provide assistance, give ideas, and answer questions as needed.

Have students write down one interesting site to share with class.

Lesson 3

Discuss URLs.

Demonstrate how to type in a URL at "Location" in Netscape.

Explain bookmarks. Show students how to bookmark.

Have students connect to the Internet using Netscape.

Provide students with a list of interesting sites.

Emphasize importance of typing URLs exactly as listed.

Have students explore the Internet by entering addresses and moving between

Web sites.

Provide assistance and answer questions as needed.

Lesson 4

Brainstorm to come up with GED Social Studies topics.

List topics on board.

Have each student choose a topic.

Have students connect to the Internet using Netscape.

Have students search the Internet to acquire information about the chosen topic.

Provide assistance, give ideas, and answer questions as needed.

Have students write down five interesting facts about topic and locations where

information was found.

Teacher will make copies of students’ lists and distribute to all students.

Lesson 5

Have students connect to the Internet using Netscape.

Give students copy of Scavenger Hunt worksheet.

Using information learned from previous lessons, student will search for answers.

Have students work individually or in pairs, depending on ability levels.

Provide assistance, give ideas, and answer questions as needed.

Student will complete worksheet and record addresses where information is found.

If time allows, have students share information gathered in lesson 4.

EVALUATION:

Student will connect to the Internet independently.

Student will provide information from at least one site.

Student will provide two addresses of informative sites.

Student will successfully complete Internet Scavenger Hunt.