IR4+Perform+a+Basic+Search





=**Internet Research 4: Performing a Basic Search**=


 * Aim:** How do search engines differ in how they perform a basic search?


 * Objectives:**


 * Students will conduct a basic search
 * Students will compare search results


 * Vocabulary:**


 * search text box
 * search button


 * Performing a basic search:** As you've already learned, each search engine has its own algorithm and therefore returns different results from other search engines. A successful search in one search engine may not produce a successful search in another. The trial-and-error method is therefore recommended. At each search engine, try different searches to see what you come up with. For this exercise, you are going to conduct a basic search for resources related to alternative energy.


 * Class Activity 1:**

1. Go to Google. Type "s" and notice that a list of suggested words appears in the search box. This feature is called //Google Instant Search//. This list varies on where Google thinks you are geographically. Notice as well that as you continue to type letters, the suggestions change.

2. Type in "solar energy." Hit enter. The best matches will appear towards the top of the results list. But notice the results in the shaded background area. These are **sponsored listings**, otherwise known as ads. These listings have paid to be where they are, which is at the top of the listings. Note how many results you get.

3. Now type "solar power" in the search box and hit enter. Notice that you get a different number of results than you did for "solar energy."

4. Now try the same search in Bing. Start typing "solar energy" and notice that when you type into the Bing search box that it also lists suggested searches.

5. Now compare the number of results you got with Bing, with the number of results you got with Google. How many results did you get with Bing?

6. Now type "solar power" into Bing. How many results did you get and how do they compare to what you got with Google?