Internet 101 & Beyond - Search Engine Basics
Also read Internet Tips for Teachers

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Search Engine Basics - A few tips to save you a little search time!

Use more than one word
Enter more than one keyword or topic. Read through "Other Search Options" to make the most of your web searches.

Be specific
Use specific words as opposed to general ones. Search for "atoms" will return more targeted results than a search for "chemistry."

Try "More Like This"
Find a site that meets your needs? Click “More Like This” for additional sites that offer related information.

Pick a favorite!
Try out a few of the major search engines and find one that meets your needs. Take time to explore the FAQ or tips areas to learn how to make the most of your search time.

Other Search Options - Check with your favorite search engine for their recommendations.

AND search
Enter: science +technology
Note: Do not type a space between the plus sign and the keyword or phrase. Many search engines, such as Google, ignore the "+" sign.

NOT Search
Enter: science -news
Note: Do not type a space between the minus sign and the keyword or phrase.

Pipe Search (Search Within)
Enter: ocean | whales
Using a pipe (|) allows you to narrow your search results. The search engine will search for one word, then search within that set of results for the second word.

Double Quotes
Enter: "plate tectonics"
Use double quotation marks (") around words that must appear next to each other. This feature may be combined with other options (+. -. |), such as earthquakes +"plate tectonics".

Capitalize Names and Titles
Enter: The Science Spot
If you capitalize adjacent words, many search engines will treat the words as a single name or title. Without capitalization, it will be treated like any other group of words.

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T. Trimpe 1999