Computing · Year 3 · Effective Searching and Evaluating Digital Content · Summer Term

What is a Search Engine?

Discover what a search engine is, like Google or DuckDuckGo, and how it helps us find information on the vast internet.

TL;DR:Ever wondered how you can find the answer to almost any question in seconds? This topic introduces pupils to the powerful tools we call search engines, which act as our guides to the enormous world of the internet.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• National Curriculum for England: Computing KS2 - Use search technologies effectively

About This Topic

This topic introduces Year 3 pupils to the fundamental concept of a search engine, a critical component of digital literacy within the Key Stage 2 Computing curriculum. The lesson aims to demystify how we find information on the internet, moving beyond the simple action of 'Googling' to a foundational understanding of the process. Pupils will learn that search engines are powerful tools that index the web, using keywords to retrieve relevant information from millions of websites. This aligns directly with the national curriculum's aim for pupils to 'use search technologies effectively, appreciate how they work, and be discerning in evaluating digital content'.

By framing the search engine as a digital librarian or an index for the vast library of the internet, pupils can grasp the core concept more easily. The topic provides an essential foundation for developing critical thinking skills. It encourages pupils to question the results they see, compare digital and traditional research methods (like using a book), and begin to understand that not all information found online is accurate or unbiased. This initial exploration sets the stage for more advanced concepts in later years, such as understanding search algorithms, identifying advertising, and evaluating the reliability of online sources.

Key Questions

1. Explain how a search engine helps you find things on the internet.
2. Identify two different search engines you could use.
3. Compare finding information in a book to finding it with a search engine.

Learning Objectives

• Define what a search engine is and explain its purpose.
• Use appropriate keywords to find specific information online.
• Identify that search results are links to different websites.
• Compare the process of finding information online with finding it in a book.
• Begin to understand that not all online information is reliable.

Key Vocabulary

Search Engine	A programme on the internet that searches for and identifies web pages based on keywords you type in.
Keyword	A specific word or phrase that you type into a search engine to find information.
Internet	A global network connecting millions of computers, allowing them to share information.
Website	A collection of related web pages, images, and videos, typically identified with a common name.
Link (or Hyperlink)	A word, phrase, or image that you can click on to jump to a new document or a new section within the current document.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The first result on the page is always the best or most correct answer.

What to Teach Instead

Search engines rank results based on many factors, not just correctness. It's important to look at a few different websites to check information and see if they agree.

Common Misconception

The search engine knows all the answers itself.

What to Teach Instead

A search engine doesn't 'know' answers. It's a tool that looks for keywords on billions of web pages created by people and then shows you a list of pages that match.

Common Misconception

Everything you read on the internet is true.

What to Teach Instead

Anyone can publish information on the internet, so some of it might be incorrect or just someone's opinion. We need to think carefully about who created the website and why.

Common Misconception

Google is the internet.

What to Teach Instead

The internet is a huge network connecting computers all over the world. Google is a website on the internet that helps you find other websites.

Active Learning Ideas

Think-Pair-Share

Search Engine Scavenger Hunt

Pupils are given a list of simple questions, such as 'What is the capital of Scotland?' or 'How many legs does a ladybird have?'. Working in pairs, they use a child-safe search engine like Kiddle or Swiggle to find the answers, recording both the answer and the website where they found it.

25 min·Pairs

Think-Pair-Share

Book vs. Browser

In small groups, pupils are given a topic, for example, 'Roman soldiers'. One half of the group uses non-fiction books to find three facts, while the other half uses a search engine. They then come together to compare their findings and discuss the speed and type of information found.

30 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

Keyword Challenge

Display an image, such as a squirrel eating a nut. Pupils individually write down three keywords they would use to find that image online. The class then shares and discusses which keywords are most effective and why.

15 min·Individual

Real-World Connections

• Finding out facts for a school project or homework.
• Looking up a recipe to bake a cake or cook dinner.
• Checking the weather forecast before going out to play.
• Finding out what time a film is on at the local cinema.
• Getting directions to a friend's house or a new place.

Assessment Ideas

Quick Check

Observe pupils during the 'Scavenger Hunt' activity, noting their choice of keywords and their ability to navigate to a website from the results page.

Quick Check

Pupils complete a short worksheet where they are given a question and must write down the keywords they would use to find the answer.

Quick Check

Pupils use a simple 'thumbs up, middle, or down' gesture to show their confidence in using a search engine to find a piece of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I see adverts at the top of the search results?

Those are paid advertisements. Companies pay the search engine to show their website at the top when people search for certain keywords. They are usually marked with the word 'Ad' or 'Sponsored'.

Is it okay to copy and paste information from a website for my homework?

It's great to use websites to find information, but you should always write the answers in your own words. Copying directly is called plagiarism, and it's important to show what you have learned yourself.

Why are some search engines called 'child-safe'?

Child-safe search engines are designed to filter out websites and images that are not appropriate for children, making it a safer space for you to search for information.