This content is located in CAPS under Internet Technologies: Internet and the WWW for Grade 10.

Understanding how to use search engines effectively is a necessary skill for students. A search engine is a tool that helps us locate information on the internet by typing in keywords or phrases. For Grade 10 learners, teaching this topic provides them with critical skills for finding credible information efficiently.

The purpose of a search engine is to make it easier to access information across billions of web pages. Common examples of search engines include Google, Bing, Yahoo, and DuckDuckGo. They vary slightly in features but all serve the same fundamental purpose: helping users navigate the vast World Wide Web.

Making It Practical and Engaging for Grade 10 Students

What Is It?
Begin by explaining that a search engine is like a digital librarian. Just as a librarian guides readers to the correct books, a search engine connects users to relevant online content. Use a relatable analogy, such as searching for a favourite song in a massive music library.

The Purpose
Demonstrate real-world scenarios where search engines save time and effort, such as finding directions, learning how to cook a meal, or researching a school project. Emphasise how search engines can be both powerful tools for learning and risky if used without discernment.

Common Examples
Showcase popular search engines on a projector or screen. Discuss their similarities and differences, and encourage students to try out lesser-known search engines like Ecosia (which plants trees with each search) to understand varied purposes.

Searching Techniques
Teach students specific techniques to optimise their searches:

Keywords:
Use a whiteboard to show how typing “tallest building in the world” gives better results than “What is the tallest building?”

Key Phrases:
Explain quotation marks for exact phrases, e.g., “fastest animal on Earth.”

Operators:
Teach the use of symbols like AND, OR, and NOT, or how adding a minus sign (-) excludes terms. For example, cats -videos focuses on articles and excludes videos.

Advanced Search:
Show Google’s Advanced Search options, enabling filtering by date, location, or file type.

Classroom Activities

1. Search Race: Challenge groups to find specific information using different keywords or operators. For example, “Find the population of Cape Town using only two words.”
2. Credibility Test: Give students a list of links and ask them to identify which sources seem reliable and why.
3. Keyword Bingo: Provide a list of broader topics, like “climate change” or “Nelson Mandela.” Students brainstorm related keywords, refining their search techniques.

Search Engine Operators in Practice Walk students through common operators with practical examples:

site: to limit searches to specific websites, e.g., site:.gov climate change finds government-related resources.

filetype: for specific documents, e.g., filetype:pdf study guide.

intitle: for targeted content, e.g., intitle:Grade 10 CAT.

Relating to Their World Ask students to search for something meaningful to them, like “top free games 2025” or “how to improve soccer skills.” This makes the lesson engaging and personal.

Addressing Under-Resourced Environments For schools with limited internet access:

• Use offline examples to demonstrate concepts, like a printed list of questions and keywords.
• Simulate search engine results on paper, with students sorting links based on relevance.
• Leverage low-data search engines like DuckDuckGo or text-based versions of Google.

Reinforce Bloom’s Taxonomy

• Remembering: Ask students to list search engine examples and keywords.
• Understanding: Discuss the purpose and workings of search engines.
• Applying: Engage students in real-life search activities.
• Analysing: Evaluate search results for credibility.
• Evaluating: Compare search engines or methods for efficiency.
• Creating: Develop a mock search engine interface or a keyword strategy for a project.

Search engines are gateways to the vast world of online knowledge. By mastering search techniques, students become empowered digital citizens capable of finding accurate and meaningful information. Share your teaching experiences with this topic and let us know your favourite activity for teaching search engines!