Tracy Bell

SLM 521

Elective #10

Internet Search Tips for the Elementary Student

1. Does your topic have distinctive words or phrases?

If the topic has distinct words or phrases put the word(s) or phrases in “quotes”.

e.g., “heart disease”

2. Carefully select your search terms

Use synonyms, broader and/or narrower search terms to expand or narrow your search. Watch your spelling.

3. If your topic has no distinct words or phrases then your search requires you to use AND or +

e.g., cubs and scouts

The area in the light blue is the area that will give you sites with both cubs and scouts.

4. Use an asterisk (*) to get more than one variation of the word.

e.g., child would also search for children, children’s, and childish

5. Use OR when you aren’t particular about getting sites with EITHER one word OR the other.

6. Use NOT or a (-) sign when you don’t want certain sites to appear in your search.

Remember that not all search engines are the same.