1. The World Wide Web is a great place to find more information about a topic. But there are a lot of sites out there—some are good and some are not so good. Can you track down good sites for a research topic? Here are some steps to help you use the Web to do research.

2. Step 1: Topic/Theme When it comes to research, we usually start with a topic or a theme. Look closely at the topic and find a focus so we can become more specific. We want to make sure when researching online that we tell the computer exactly what information we are looking for—by using specific words. This helps us narrow things down because some topics are very broad. For example: Let’s assume your teacher gives you an assignment to do a research project on a President of the United States. That is a very general subject so we need to narrow it down and be more specific.

3. Step 2: Key Words To research online, be prepared to have key words(specific words) to describe your topic. If we were to search for the “Presidents of the United States”, we would end up with too many results– because it’s so general. We could narrowed it down and became more specific by choosing “George Washington” to research. In this case our key words should include "George Washington" instead of typing "Washington." Otherwise you might end up with a list of sites about Washington, D.C., or the state of Washington. You need to be clear and precise with your key words!

4. Step 3: Search Engine To find Web sites on a specific topic, we will need to use a search engine. A search engine works like a library catalog. There are many different kind. Can you name a few? A search engine helps you to find other Web sites. We will be using the search engine called “Safe Search Kids”. It is a search engine created by Google made especially for kids. You will need to type your key words into the search engine to begin your search.

5. Step 4: Evaluating the Sites: The search engine will then search the Web and show you a list of sites that contain information that matches your key words. Search engines usually give descriptions of the sites they list. You should read the descriptions to find which site best matches your topic. This is the kind of list, with descriptions, that a search engine will show you. Let’s take a closer look at the results pages!

7. When you read a description of a Web site that sounds useful, click on the name of the site. That Web site will automatically appear on your computer screen. You can then read what is there to see if it has the information you are looking for. Sometimes you need to look at several sites before you find the one that is best for your research. This site would be really useful for my report on George Washington! Step 5: Choosing the Best Web Site

8. Tips When You’re Evaluating Sites: Reliability ◦ Since anyone can post anything to the web, you have to be careful about choosing your sources. Good Bets are: ◦ Education websites (.edu) ◦ Government websites (.gov) ◦ Some Non-Profit websites (.org) ◦ Teacher approved sites ◦ Websites maintained by someone you know – like your teacher.

9. Wikipedia

10. Now Let’s Practice using the first 5 steps! 1) Here is our topic: Dinosaur 2) KEY WORDS: Tyrannosaurs Rex 3) Enter your key words into the search engine: “Google Kids”. 4) Evaluate your Sites 5) Chose a reliable source. **Can you find one fact from the website you chose? Write it down!

11. Now practice on your own! 1) Here is our topic: Inventions 2) KEY WORDS: 3) Enter your key words into the search engine:“Google Kids”. 4) Evaluate your Sites 5) Chose a reliable source **Can you find one fact from the website you chose? Write it down!

12. Now practice on your own! 1) Here is our topic: Famous Californian 2) KEY WORDS: 3) Enter your key words into the search engine:“Google Kids”. 4) Evaluate your Sites 5) Chose a reliable source **Can you find one fact from the website you chose? Write it down!