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3rd September 10
Trail : home / Primary ICT / QCA Schemes of Work / Unit 6 : Unit 6D

Using the internet to search large databases and to interpret information

In this unit pupils learn to use large sources of information, such as those found on the Internet. They will use, skim read and take in information to be able to own it for themselves and interpret it with others. At times they will be critical of content and may be able to check for different viewpoints. Pupils will present the researched information in a form suitable to the needs of their audience. It is important that teachers search the Internet first for suitable sites. Without this, pupils can spend many hours in fruitless searching, without any reward. 

Remember

There are other web search engines apart from Google that are designed for use by children. These can be found on the web search page of LGfL (SEE BELOW).

LGfL Web Search Page

 

Unit notes in .pdf format |
Unit notes in .pdf format : Adobe Acrobat file (60.1k)
Searching the Internet |
Searching the Internet : Adobe Acrobat file (81.7k)

Sample worksheet for using the Internet to find information. It focuses on the need for accuracy in entering information into a search.

 

Using Google to search the Internet |
Using Google to search the Internet : Textease file (182.8k)
An introduction activity and two worksheets using Google to search the Internet. A Teachers page gives sample answers. Please check the woksheets before using them with pupils because the results will have changed from the last time you used it. They are presented in Textease fomat for you to modify as needed.
Searching an Encyclopedia using the Internet |
Searching an Encyclopedia using the Internet : Textease file (328.6k)
Use Encyclopedia Britannica web site to find information. Includes worksheets.
Focus on the Census |

Looks in detail at an on-line database - the Census. Practical tasks are set for pupils using Census data from specific locations. This web site is part on the British Museum's Archive site.

USA Immigration Data - a Large Database

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Click here to access US Immigration information

The US Immigration Service have logged thousands of individuals entering the US through New York and Ellis Island. This database can be used to search for specific individuals and Certificates of Immigration can be printed out as a record of pupils investigations.

The IGI Database |

This is the site hosted by the Church of the Latter Day Saints. It contains a huge number of family names and relationships. You can search the 1881 UK Census or for all ancestors (which will include many in the USA). Be aware that there may be errors and that many recent names may not be available.

Click here for help on how to search census records.

Checking the plausibility of web sites

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Pupils should be aware that web sites may not contain accurate or plausible information and may be biased and fictitious. A number of sites can be used to demonstrate this:

Boilerplate Robot. A Victorian invention that was used across the world in the early part of the twentieth century.

Green Pacific Tree Octopus. An Endangered species? Does the Octopus really exist? A great site to use with all ages. Have students click through the links and read web addresses carefully.

Velcro Harvest Shortfall. Did you know about the Velcro shortage in California? Use this site to help pupils separate fact from fiction on the web. This is a mainly text based site.