Search Engines: Ask updated 5.8.11

Ask is the "newer kids on the block" in the search engine world. The result of a merger between Teoma and Ask Jeeves, the current version of Ask became available in the spring of 2006. While its database of indexed webpages is not nearly as large as Google's, it offers features not currently found on Google.

Let's take a look...

Click here to open Ask in a new browser window.

Enter a phrase like ancient civilizations into the search box click the search button or press the enter/return key on your keyboard. When the results page appears, you will notice that the results have been divided into three sections.

The Web Search section displays a list of hits on the left side of the screen. One the right side of the screen you will notice other keywords and phrases (Related Searches and Related Questions).

As the sites were indexed, Ask has been comparing other pages with similar content looking for related keywords and phrases. Clicking on those additional suggested phrases makes it possible to quickly adjust your search parameters to zero in on precisely the information you are looking for.

Using your research topic, explore the Related Searches and Related Questions features on Ask. Add other keywords, phrases, etc. to your "Analyze Your Search Topic" page and don't forget to add new bookmarks/favorites to your collection.

Now, click on the Advanced Search Tips link which appears in the upper right corner of the Advanced Search screen. after you have initiated a search and are viewing results to check out the advanced search options. You will see that features similar to those found in the Google's Advanced Search. Be sure to check out the Advanced Search Tips tutorial which offers additional hints.

Record your comments on this search site in your logbook.

Add relevant resources that you found using this search site to your bookmarks/favorites collection.

You may be thinking that these two excellent search engines will be all that you need to locate additional elementary curriculum resources... but wait, there are other options.

Next: Searching with Yahoo! Search Direct