Exploring the Power of Search Engines: Google, Yahoo, and Beyond Computer Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

Lesson Plan: Computer Studies for JSS 3 – First Term, Week 1

Subject: Computer Studies
Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 1
Age: 13–14 years
Topic: Revision on the Internet
Sub-topic: Examples of Search Engines
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define what a search engine is.
2. List at least four examples of search engines.
3. Describe how search engines are used to find information online.
4. Explain the importance of using search engines.

Keywords:

• Internet
• Search Engine
• Google.com
• Yahoo.com
• Ask.com
• Mama.com

Set Induction:
Start by asking students how they usually find information on the internet. Discuss their answers briefly.

Entry Behavior:
Students should have a basic understanding of the internet and how to use a web browser.

Learning Materials:

• Computers with internet access
• Projector or whiteboard
• Printed handouts with a list of search engines

Instructional Materials:

• Handouts showing search engine logos and web addresses
• Slides or posters showing examples of search engines

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
Discuss with the students what they already know about using the internet to search for information. Connect their responses to the concept of search engines.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Digital Literacy
• Critical Thinking
• Information Gathering
• Communication Skills

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for Computer Studies
• Basic Computer Studies Textbook for JSS 3

Content

1. Definition of Search Engines:
   • A search engine is a tool that helps people find information on the internet by searching through millions of web pages.
2. Examples of Search Engines:
   • Google.com: The most widely used search engine worldwide.
   • Yahoo.com: A popular web service that includes a search engine.
   • Ask.com: A search engine that focuses on answering questions.
   • Mama.com: An older search engine that provides results by combining different search engines.
3. How Search Engines Work:
   • Search engines use special programs called “crawlers” to scan the internet and index web pages.
   • When you type a query, the search engine shows a list of relevant web pages.
4. Why Search Engines Are Important:
   • They help users quickly find accurate and relevant information.
   • Search engines organize information on the internet, making it easier to access.
5. Using Search Engines:
   • Type your query into the search bar.
   • Press Enter or click the search button.
   • Review the results and click on the most relevant links.

Evaluation 

1. A search engine is used to ______ information on the internet.
   a) delete
   b) store
   c) search
   d) hide
2. The most popular search engine in the world is ______.
   a) Yahoo.com
   b) Mama.com
   c) Google.com
   d) Ask.com
3. Search engines help users find ______ on the internet.
   a) food
   b) websites
   c) music
   d) clothes
4. ______ is a search engine known for answering questions.
   a) Google.com
   b) Yahoo.com
   c) Ask.com
   d) Mama.com
5. Search engines use ______ to scan and index web pages.
   a) browsers
   b) crawlers
   c) robots
   d) software
6. Mama.com is an example of an ______ search engine.
   a) new
   b) old
   c) unused
   d) automatic
7. The search engine that is part of a popular web service is ______.
   a) Yahoo.com
   b) Google.com
   c) Mama.com
   d) Ask.com
8. To find information, you need to type your ______ in the search bar.
   a) website
   b) query
   c) answer
   d) name
9. Search engines provide a list of ______ related to your search.
   a) pictures
   b) videos
   c) links
   d) emails
10. You use a ______ to find information on the internet.
    a) browser
    b) search engine
    c) website
    d) server
11. ______ is a search engine known for its simple design and quick results.
    a) Ask.com
    b) Mama.com
    c) Yahoo.com
    d) Google.com
12. Search engines rank web pages based on their ______.
    a) design
    b) speed
    c) relevance
    d) cost
13. The tool that organizes and finds information on the internet is called a ______.
    a) browser
    b) search engine
    c) website
    d) server
14. The engine that collects search results from other engines is ______.
    a) Ask.com
    b) Yahoo.com
    c) Mama.com
    d) Google.com
15. To begin a search, you must first ______.
    a) log in
    b) type a query
    c) find a website
    d) choose a browser

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a search engine?
   A search engine is a tool used to find information on the internet.
2. Which search engine is the most popular?
   Google.com is the most popular search engine.
3. How do search engines work?
   They scan and index web pages using programs called “crawlers” and provide relevant results based on your query.
4. Can search engines answer questions?
   Yes, search engines like Ask.com focus on answering questions directly.
5. Why do people use search engines?
   To quickly find accurate and relevant information on the internet.
6. Is Yahoo.com only a search engine?
   No, Yahoo.com is a web service that includes a search engine along with other services.
7. What is the role of a crawler in a search engine?
   A crawler scans the internet and indexes web pages to help search engines find relevant content.
8. Why is Google.com so widely used?
   Because it provides fast, accurate, and user-friendly search results.
9. What happens when you type a query into a search engine?
   The search engine processes the query and shows a list of relevant web pages.
10. What makes Ask.com different from other search engines?
    Ask.com specializes in answering questions.
11. Can you find images and videos using a search engine?
    Yes, most search engines allow you to search for images and videos as well.
12. What does Mama.com do differently?
    Mama.com aggregates search results from other search engines.
13. How do you start a search using a search engine?
    By typing your query into the search bar and pressing Enter.
14. What is the importance of using keywords in a search engine?
    Keywords help the search engine find the most relevant information for your query.
15. Can you use more than one search engine to find information?
    Yes, using multiple search engines can provide a wider range of results.

Presentation

Step 1:

• The teacher revises the previous topic, which was “Introduction to the Internet.” The students discuss how they use the internet.

Step 2:

• The teacher introduces the new topic by explaining what search engines are and providing examples like Google, Yahoo, Ask, and Mama.

Step 3:

• The teacher allows the pupils to give their contributions on their experiences using search engines. The teacher corrects them where necessary and reinforces the correct information.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the concept of search engines.
• Provide examples and demonstrate how to use search engines.
• Engage the students with questions and ensure they understand the key points.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in the discussion by sharing their experiences.
• Practice using search engines on the computers provided.
• Answer questions based on the lesson content.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is the main function of a search engine?
2. Name two search engines other than Google.
3. How do search engines find information?
4. What must you type into a search engine to start a search?
5. Why is Google.com widely used?
6. What does Ask.com specialize in?
7. Explain how Yahoo.com is more than just a search engine.
8. What are “crawlers” in the context of search engines?
9. How does Mama.com differ from Google.com?
10. Why is it important to use the correct keywords in a search?

Conclusion

• The teacher goes around to mark students’ work and provides feedback. The lesson is wrapped up by summarizing the importance of search engines and their role in finding information online.