Meaning, Uses and Types of Search Engine with Examples of search Engines Computer Studies JSS 3 First Term Lesson Notes Week 2

Subject: Computer Studies

Class: JSS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 13 – 15 years
Topic: Uses of Search Engines

Sub-topic: How to Use Search Engines to Obtain Information and Download Materials

Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives:

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

1. Identify popular search engines.
2. Use search engines to find specific information.
3. Download materials from the internet safely and correctly.
4. Understand the importance of reliable information sources.

Keywords:

• Search Engine
• Download
• Information
• Google
• Query

Set Induction:

Begin by asking students if they have ever searched for information online (e.g., using Google). Discuss briefly how search engines help in finding useful information quickly.

Entry Behavior:

Students have basic knowledge of the internet and may have used a browser before.

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Computers with internet access
• Projector (optional)
• Internet browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox)

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:

Students already understand the concept of the internet and its relevance in accessing information globally. They also know common web browsers.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Digital literacy
• Critical thinking
• Information management

Reference Books:

• Lagos State Approved Computer Studies Textbook
• Online resources like Wikipedia and Google Search

CONTENT

Meaning of a Search Engine:

A search engine is a software tool that allows users to search for information on the internet. It uses specific algorithms to provide relevant information based on keywords or queries.

Examples of Search Engines:

• Google.com
• Yahoo.com
• Ask.com
• Bing.com

How to Use Search Engines to Obtain Information:

1. Open a Browser: Launch an internet browser like Chrome or Firefox.
2. Access a Search Engine: Go to the search engine website (e.g., google.com).
3. Type a Query: Enter relevant keywords related to the topic you are searching for (e.g., “climate change in Africa”).
4. Review Search Results: Check the first few search results for reliable sources.
5. Click Links: Click on websites to read more about the topic.

How to Download Materials from the Internet:

1. Search for the File: Use keywords like “PDF,” “download,” or “e-book” along with the topic (e.g., “Agricultural Science textbook PDF download”).
2. Select a Trusted Site: Ensure the website is safe and reliable before downloading.
3. Click the Download Button: Follow the instructions on the website to download the material.
4. Save the File: Save the downloaded file in a folder on your device.

Importance of Search Engines:

1. Makes information accessible quickly.
2. Helps students and professionals find research materials.
3. Provides access to multimedia content (e.g., videos, articles).

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options:

1. A search engine is a __________ tool that helps users find information on the internet.
   a) hardware
   b) software
   c) browser
   Answer: b) software
2. An example of a search engine is __________.
   a) Microsoft Word
   b) Google
   c) WhatsApp
   Answer: b) Google
3. To search for information, you must type a __________ in the search bar.
   a) question
   b) keyword
   c) download
   Answer: b) keyword
4. Yahoo.com is a type of __________.
   a) website
   b) browser
   c) search engine
   Answer: c) search engine
5. Search engines help users __________ information from the internet.
   a) upload
   b) download
   c) delete
   Answer: b) download
6. A popular search engine other than Google is __________.
   a) Bing
   b) Excel
   c) WhatsApp
   Answer: a) Bing
7. The act of saving a document from the internet is called __________.
   a) upload
   b) download
   c) copy-paste
   Answer: b) download
8. A __________ is needed to open a search engine.
   a) browser
   b) mobile phone
   c) database
   Answer: a) browser
9. The first step to finding information online is to type a __________.
   a) browser
   b) keyword
   c) software
   Answer: b) keyword
10. Websites listed in search results are often called __________.
    a) links
    b) files
    c) programs
    Answer: a) links
11. Search engines are useful for finding __________ quickly.
    a) mechanical tools
    b) information
    c) games
    Answer: b) information
12. You can use search engines to find __________.
    a) articles
    b) tools
    c) shoes
    Answer: a) articles
13. When downloading a file, it is important to ensure the __________ is safe.
    a) file size
    b) website
    c) browser history
    Answer: b) website
14. The search bar is where you __________ your query.
    a) delete
    b) type
    c) download
    Answer: b) type
15. The search engine with a colorful logo is __________.
    a) Google
    b) Firefox
    c) Chrome
    Answer: a) Google

EVALUATION:

1. Define Search Engine
2. Mention five uses of the search engine.
3. How is a Search Engine different from a web directory?
4. Differentiate between a search engine and a WWW.
5. What is a search engine?
6. What are the different types of search engines?
7. How do search engines work?
8.  What are the most popular search engines?
9.  What are the differences between general and specialized search engines?
10.  How do I choose a good search engine?
11.  What are the benefits of using a search engine?
12.  What are the risks of using a search engine?
13.  How can I make sure my website is indexed by a search engine?
14.  What is SEO and how can it help my website?

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT:

Students are to surf the internet or check page 16 of their textbook (Handbook on Computer Studies book 3) to explain any 5 search engines they know.

Class Activity Discussion

Meaning and types of search engine with Examples of search engines.

A search engine is a type of software that helps you find information on the internet. There are many different types of search engines, but the most popular ones are Google, Yahoo, and Bing. Each search engine has its own algorithms (or rules) for how it ranks websites.

The word “search engine” can also refer to the entire website that provides the search functionality. For example, when you type a query into Google, the results page that appears is the Google search engine.

Most search engines allow you to specify what kind of information you’re looking for. For example, if you want to find images of cats, you can use a search engine to search for “cat pictures.”

There are two main types of search engines: web-based and enterprise-based.

Web-based search engines are the most common type. They allow users to search for information on the entire internet. Google, Yahoo, and Bing are all web-based search engines.

Enterprise-based search engines are designed for use within a single company or organization. They allow users to search for information that is stored on the company’s internal network, such as employee contact information or customer records.

Examples of enterprise-based search engines include Microsoft SharePoint and IBM Watson Explorer.

Search engines are an essential tool for finding information on the internet. When you use a search engine, you’re using one of the most powerful tools available for finding the information you need.

Sub-Topic 1: Meaning of Search Engine

What is a search engine?

A Search Engine is a program that finds Web sites and Web pages. Search engine is a tool for locating information on the internet by topic. In other words, it is a site on the WWW, with the help of which you can search for others website. Search engines are particularly helpful in locating Web pages about certain topics or in locating specific pages for which you do not know the exact Web address. A search engine is more effective than a web directory because it matches your information (keywords) to the web pages listed in its index and then displays only on those sites that are relevant and match your criteria.

A web search engine is an interactive tool to help people locate information available via the World Wide Web. Examples of search engines are Yahoo.com, Mamma.com Ask.com, Google.com, Netscape navigator, Askjeeves, Lycos, Mozilla firefox, Internet explorer Safari.com, etc.

Sub-Topic 2: Use of Search Engines

Search Engines can be used to:

• Easily find and download information on any topic
• Get definition of words, acronyms etc.
• Carry out research.
• Used to find images, pictures and sound
• Search for information about people, places and product

Steps to use a Search Engine:

1. Open a web browser
2. In the address bar, type the website of a search engine e.g. google.com
3. In the search textbox, type any one of the following:

• Definition of search engine (b) definition of internet

4. Click on the Search button

OR

Type the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the search engine e.g (www.mamma.com) in the address bar of the browser and press the Enter Key on your keyboard. You can use the search engine by entering a query (or question) in the search bar of the search engine and press the Enter Key on the keyboard.

1. What is a search engine?
   A search engine is a tool used to find information on the internet.
2. Is Google the only search engine?
   No, there are others like Yahoo, Bing, and Ask.com.
3. How do I download a PDF file?
   Search for the file, click on a trusted link, and follow the download instructions.
4. Why are keywords important in search engines?
   Keywords help the search engine understand what you are looking for.
5. Can I download videos from search engines?
   Yes, but ensure it is legal and safe to do so.
6. What is the difference between a browser and a search engine?
   A browser accesses websites, while a search engine finds information online.
7. What is Bing?
   Bing is a search engine created by Microsoft.
8. How do I know if a website is safe to download from?
   Check if the website has “https” or a lock symbol.
9. Can search engines find images?
   Yes, you can search for images using Google Images.
10. What is a query?
    A query is a word or phrase entered into a search engine.
11. Are search engines free to use?
    Yes, most search engines are free.
12. Can I search for academic papers using search engines?
    Yes, websites like Google Scholar help with that.
13. What is Google Scholar?
    It is a search engine for scholarly articles and academic research.
14. Do search engines store my data?
    Some do, but you can adjust privacy settings to limit this.
15. Can search engines work without the internet?
    No, search engines require internet access.

10 Evaluation Questions:

1. What is a search engine?
2. Name three examples of search engines.
3. What is the purpose of keywords in a search engine?
4. How can you download a document from the internet?
5. Mention two benefits of using search engines.
6. What is the difference between a browser and a search engine?
7. What does it mean to download a file?
8. Name a search engine created by Microsoft.
9. Why should you use trusted websites for downloads?
10. How does a search engine display results?

Conclusion:

Search engines are powerful tools that allow users to quickly access information and download materials. Learning to use them effectively is crucial for academic success.