Examples & Uses of Search Engines – JSS3 Computer Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

A search engine is a software system that searches the World Wide Web (www) for information and lists pages that match what a user types.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what a search engine is;
2. state what search engine results pages (SERPs) are;
3. give examples of search engines and their URLs;
4. list some uses of search engines;
5. use a search engine to find information in simple steps.

What is a search engine?

A search engine is a website that collects and organises content from all over the internet so that users can find it quickly.

• Query: the word or phrase a user types into the search box.
• Results: the links to content that match the query.
• Example: typing “what is a computer” displays pages that explain the meaning of computer.

What are search engine results pages (SERPs)?

Search engine results pages (SERPs) are the pages a search engine displays after a user enters a query.

• Title link: the clickable heading of each result.
• URL: the web address of the page shown under or above the title.
• Snippet: a short piece of text from the page that shows what it contains.
• Result types: some pages also show images, videos, news or maps.

What are examples of search engines?

Examples of search engines include Google, Bing, Yahoo, Ask.com, Info.com, Mamma and DuckDuckGo.

How does a search engine work?

A search engine works by finding web pages, storing them in a list, and ranking them when a user searches.

1. Crawling: programs called crawlers move from link to link and find web pages.
2. Indexing: the engine stores information about each page in a large index.
3. Searching: the user types a query into the search box.
4. Ranking: the engine matches the query to its index and orders the pages by how well they match.
5. Display: the ordered list appears as the SERP.

How do you search for information on the internet?

To search the internet, open a web browser, go to a search engine and type a query.

1. Connect to the internet.
2. Open a web browser such as Chrome or Firefox.
3. Type the URL of a search engine, for example www.google.com.
4. Type your keywords in the search box.
5. Press Enter or click the search button.
6. Read the titles and snippets, then click the best link.

Tips for better searches

• Use clear keywords: “causes of malaria” gives better results than “malaria”.
• Use quotation marks: “input devices” searches for that exact phrase in most engines.
• Check spelling: wrong spelling can give poor results.
• Check the source: prefer school, government and well-known websites.

What is the difference between a search engine and a web browser?

A web browser is software that opens and displays web pages, for example Chrome, Firefox and Microsoft Edge.

A search engine is a website that helps a user find web pages by keyword, for example Google and Bing.

What are the uses of search engines?

Search engines are used to find information, news, places, pictures and many other things on the internet.

• News: search for current news stories.
• Online events: search for events such as webinars, matches and concerts.
• Locations: find places, addresses and directions on maps.
• Identification: identify plants, animals and people through image search.
• Technology and vehicles: search for information on gadgets, cars and their prices.
• Meanings and facts: find definitions and answers to questions.
• Research: collect information for school projects and assignments.
• Images and videos: find pictures and video lessons.

Evaluation

1. What is a search engine?
2. What does SERP stand for?
3. Name four examples of search engines.
4. State four uses of a search engine.
5. State one difference between a search engine and a web browser.

Assignment

Write down three search engines with their URLs. Then list three uses of a search engine.