The Internet provides a vast amount of information on any given topic. However, for kids, it is important to search the Internet with appropriate and useful search engines. There are a variety of search tools out there, each with its own pros and cons. I’ve listed below my “Five Favorite Search Engines for Kids” and given a short description about each.
This search engine teaches students the process of Internet
searching. It guides students in language usage to find a certain topic.
Students are given options such as “Exact Word or Phrase,” “Site,” and
“Synonym” and then they provide the specific information for their search. This
website would be especially useful in upper elementary middle school as
students begin to understand how to refine a search.
This search engine includes a search box and also a list of
content areas and subtopics. When searching, the searched word(s) appears red
in the results. This helps students, especially ELL students, identify the term
they are hoping to learn more about. The search engine also includes a Clip art
search area that students could use if looking for pictures for a project.
Google Scholar refines the search results to scholarly
literature only. It is a great tool to use with high school students when
discussing appropriate sources for research. It also provides APA, MLA, and
Chicago citation. However, many of the articles are not available directly to
read and must be purchased or accessed through a different database. Google
Scholar does not include any ads, so the content is limited to just the
scholarly works. This search engine would not be appropriate for elementary or
most middle school students as the results are too challenging.
KidRex is a Google-owned search engine for kids that is
powered by Google SafeSearch and Google Custom Search technology. The interface
is colorful and features a dinosaur and font similar to the writing of a crayon.
The site does a good job of filtering inappropriate content, but it still may
be more appropriate for upper elementary students. It also is a good
instruction to Google, as it operates the same way.
This search engine includes a fun “cloud” feature. Students
type in the word or phrase, which they want to search. The engine brings up
kid-friendly websites but also brings up other searchable words in the “cloud.”
On the interface, the “cloud” is actually a fun, bright, illustrated cloud.
This helps guide students to other searchable words related to their topic.