Searching for scraps

If you run into a roadblock when you are searching online it is time to look for scraps. Scraps are the little bits of information that you find in your first round of search results that can lead you to even more information.

A quick scan of page results from a search engine can be very helpful. Do this before you start looking at individual pages.

Here's your mission:

Email me the answer to these questions (rod@rodmilstead.com). Enter your name and the word search in the subject line.

1. Tell me what your search phrase is. BEFORE you start your search tell me if you know anything about your search phrase. Anything? If you do, tell me what you know. Right or wrong doesn't matter.

2. Enter your search phrase in google. How many search results do you get?

3. What other keywords or search terms pop out when you scan the search results? What can you learn about this person, place or thing before you click on a link to a particular page? List at least five terms that you could use to search for more information about phrase that do not include the original search phrase. If I searched for George Washington I would add these words to my list: town in washington state, university, military, president, Mount Vernon, American Revolution, Westmoreland County.

4. What kinds of websites provide information? Are they mostly .com sites or do you see other domain name endings (.gov, org, .edu)?

5. Enter your search phrase in Google again but this time put quotes around it: "George Washingon". How many results do you get this time?

6. Click on the first search result that is not an advertisement. What is the url of that site?

7. Does this site help you to learn more about your topic or would you skip it? Why or why not?

8. Try your search phrase in another search engine besides Google. How many results do you get?

9. What is the URL of the first site on the list of results? Is it the same as the first url on Google's results?

10. Send your email to me at rod@rodmilstead.com.