Google Search Tools for Education:
Research projects and techniques seem to be on everyone‟s mind right now. Google is a powerful search engine that is frequently used
by everyone as a first source for locating information. Try some of these simple “Google tips” to improve your search results.
1.
Better Searches. Better Results: (Tips & Tricks) Use these modifiers in the Google search box to refine your searches and get
the best results.
2.
3.
Google Search Tips Poster for Lower School Students: (Poster Tips)
Google Advanced Search features to:
Refine queries to search the following: .gov, .edu, .mil, and .org sites.
Limit search results by reading level: basic, intermediate, or advanced.
Select file type: search for a specific file i.e. PowerPoint, flash, doc.
Search within a site or domain: .edu
4.
Google also allows individuals to do a Custom Search: On the Google Start page, select More, then choose Even More
Select Create a Custom Search Engine and follow the instructions. This is a great way for teachers to customize and make
available the websites that are appropriate for further investigation or an excellent problem solving technique for students to
analyze and collaborate on information resources that support relevant research.
Google has also developed some powerful tools that can be used educationally by students and teachers to refine
searches or visualize search results. To get more search options: Select All Results –More/Fewer Search Tools
Sites with images:
Timeline: displays search results in a timeline.
Wonder Wheel (helps identify key words and displays information visually (great tool to help
students find key words to use in Google Advanced Search).
Google Squared Google Squared takes a category like “Butterflies” and creates a starter „square‟ of
information, automatically finding and organizing facts from across the web. The square shows name, image, description,
genus, family, & origin, but each square can be customized. Google Squared is a great tool to compare information, rather
than obtain specific information. Teachers could use this tool to jumpstart their students into thinking about, organizing, and
then researching other areas about a topic.
Remember to cite your sources: it is easy using EasyBib.com
"Google For Educators." Google. Web. 10 Feb. 2011. <http://www.google.com/educators/posters.html>.
Sandy Rosenbaum
Educational Technology Coordinator
2/10/2011