Website+Evaluation

Introduction
Not all websites are created equally! In this lesson, you will evaluate several websites to compare what makes a source of information good and reliable. Remember...the Pathfinders Research Project will be a list of book and Internet sources of information. Knowing how to pick good Internet sites is a must!

Procedure
Use the Website Evaluation Tool to grade each website for its strength and reliability. For each website that you evaluate, you can (1) download and print the evaluation tool, (2) record your evaluation on a lined piece of paper following the tool as a template, or (3) use a handout from the teacher, if available. After you fill in the top part of the evaluation, use the grading scale to evaluate each section of the website that the tool identifies. Grade it using the scores to determine whether it is a strong or weak website. Get your evaluation tool ready and begin...

Task #1
Evaluate the [|NASA] website. Remember to look for the needed information all over the front page...from the very top to the very bottom. Work as a team and discuss your ratings. Turn in your team's evaluation tool to the teacher.

Task #2
Evaluate [|The Dangers of Bread] website. Work as a team and discuss your ratings. Turn in your team's evaluation tool to the teacher.

Task #3
Evaluate **ONE** of the following websites: [|The History of Bread], [|Home Sweet Home], [|California's Velcro Crop]. Work as a team and discuss your ratings. Turn in your team's evaluation tool to the teacher.

Task #4
//**Individual Homework - Due Next Class**//
 * Step 1: You will do an Internet search for websites about your research topic. DO NOT USE GOOGLE! __For this exercise, you must use one of the "Search Tools" listed on the Handouts and Activities Page of the wiki.__
 * Step 2: Choose TWO websites related to your team's topic and evaluate them using the website evaluation tool. You will turn one evaluation tool for each website by next class (TWO evaluations total).
 * Step 3: Lastly, on your Team Page of the wiki, record (a) your name and (b) the URLs of the websites you evaluated. See if you can figure out how to make the URLs you list actually link to the Internet. //Hint: in the "Editor Bar" look for the globe icon with the circle...good luck!//

Conclusion
Smart students know how to identify strong websites. This website evaluation tool is valuable to you every time you search the Internet. Know what top look for in a good website!

Advanced Student Learning Opportunity
For those of you who are ready to dive further into this project, go for it! Use the Search Tools and Website Evaluation Tool to find strong websites for your team's topic. Keep in mind that every website you choose to include in your final product will need: (1) to be recorded on your wiki's Team Page with your name by it, and (2) a completed evaluation tool.