Using a customized search engine and hotlist

I created a customized search engine using google for the environmental changes unit we are in right now.  I spent hours scouring the internet for websites that would help my students gain information about environmental changes. 

First, I identified the Essential Questions my district says students need to be able to answer by the end of the unit.  Next, I developed focus questions that would help lead to understanding those Essential Questions.  Finally, I create a form with the Essential Quesitons and guiding questions on it Students read the guiding questions, record the URLs for the websites that have the answers, then record notes in the information box.  The students use the customized search engine and hotlist to find these answers.  They are allowed to work together in partnerships but each student records their own.  This assignment is worked on a couple times a week but I encourage students with internet access to work on it from home.

When I introduced the form, we read through it, I showed them where the links were on Portal and how I found the first answer.  Then I did the second one with them.  I set them off and circulated as they worked.  Almost immediately, I had to stop them.  I had to remind them that the computer is not a magic box.  It's isn't just going to spit out answers.  They will have to READ to find the answers.  Skimming is a useful skill but sometimes you will have to really read the webpage to find the answer to the question.

I was surprised that I was able to keep my own frustration down.  The kids didn't have as much frustration since they knew the websites were going to have the answers they needed as long as they read. 

These are the links to the search engine and hotlist.

I wish I could attach the document I created but it looks something like this:

Questions                       Websites                                                   Information
What is pollution?         http://www.dictionary.com/                                introduction of harmful substances
                                        http://www.especiallyforkids.com/                     Examples: urban runoff, grass
                                                                                                                             clippings, oil,etc.


I learned today that kids can pick out keywords in a question to run a search.  I also learned that I have about four kids in each class who need more guidance than to be given these questions.  This assignment is a scavenger hunt.  When they have completed it, we will share out, and students will create a glog (http://www.glogster.com/) to demonstrate what they learned during the unit.