Today you will

• run focused searches for your own investigation question.
• log at least three of them in {{code:sm4_search_log}}.
• save your best source so you still have it next week.

Warm-up: Open {{code:sm4_investigation_proposal}} and {{code:sm4_search_cheatsheet}} in {{code:sm4}} if you have them. Finish this sentence in your head: "The one question my investigation must answer is…"

If you have no proposal, write a question down now.

A targeted query uses the key words from your question.

A search log is a spreadsheet of the date, the query, the best result and why it helps.

The best result is the most useful page, which is not always the first link.

To refine a search, you change the words or add a filter like {{code:site:gov.ie}}.

Example

The class will practise with this question:

You will set up your search log and fill in two practice rows with the class. Follow the steps in the box below.

Common issues

• Every result is off-topic. Add Ireland or a place name, or add {{code:site:gov.ie}} to your query.
• You log the first link without reading it. Open the page first, and only log it if it helps answer your question.
• Your file is not in {{code:sm4}}. Move {{code:sm4_search_log}} into {{code:sm4}} in your drive.

Pair check

With a partner, match each search move to the job it does best. You can say your answers out loud or write them down.

When you finish, tell your partner which move you will try first on your own question.