SKC School Library

Be as specific as possible. Start with specific terms or phrases, and then choose more general terms or use fewer terms if you are unsuccessful.
Enclose phrases in quotation marks. This is very effective when using most search engines.
Enter proper names with capital letters. Search engines are case-sensitive.
Word order can be important. Enter your most important concept first.
Be aware of ambiguous words. Think of the possible various meanings of words when conducting a search (e.g., China vs. china dishes or Ireland vs. Kathy Ireland).
If you don't find what you want in the first twenty-five to thirty hits, start over. Change or modify your search.
Learn one or two search engines well.

Search Engines for Students

Ask Jeeves for Kids

Ask Jeeves for Kids has consistently been rated one of the best, if not the best, search engine for children (intermediate school and younger).

Awesome Library offers different "libraries" for teachers, kids, teens, parents, librarians, and the community.

Yahooligans! is the kids' version of Yahoo!, the mother of all directory search engines. It is explicitly designed for children ages seven to twelve years old.

Children’s librarians have categorized thousands of sites by subject, so that you can easily discover great sites for math games, butterflies, prime ministers, physics, pharaohs, etc.; This site is great for primary kids. You can specify what reading level for the selections.

Dictionaries

Webster's Dictionary

The Little Explorers picture dictionary is great for younger kids to look things up.

Encyclopedias

Encarta Online

Encyclopedia.com provides informational articles, atlas information, sounds, table, pictures, and videos on thousands of different topics.

Reference Sites (Sites that can answer Questions)

Fact Monster combines essential reference materials, fun facts and features, and free, individualized homework help.

Clear, straightforward information on how stuff (everyday to fascinating) works.