Databases VS Search Engines

An example of a database and search engine.

Last Thursday, our school librarian gave us a spiel on databases versus search engines. We needed to know when it is appropriate to use search engines (e.g. Google, Bing, Yahoo) and when to use online databases (e.g. Proquest,  Overdrive, ABCMouse) for research on our Genius Hour projects. We also learned how Wikipedia can help us without relying on it 100% of the time.


What's the difference?

Database: A database is an organized, unbiased, center of accurate information that has been professionally vetted (screened).

Search Engine: A search engine is an online program that pulls information at a time or request based on keywords.

Databases will give you select, relevant information while search engines, while seemingly more efficient, literally take everything out of the internet and give it to you.

When can I use Wikipedia?

Undeniably, Wikipedia is extremely efficient and painless. While it is easily at our fingertips, it isn't always accurate. Anyone can visit Wikipedia and edit information to their heart's desire. However, Wikipedia doesn't have to be completely ignored. To use it "safely", first, collect the broad, shallow facts from Wikipedia, then go to databases and research more in depth. For example, if you were researching "Alexander Hamilton", you could use the topics "founding father, US Constitution, New York late 1700s, George Washington, US Mint, and Elizabeth Schuyler" from Wikipedia as guidelines for database searches.

Three databases I could possibly use:
-Proquest
-ABI Business Trade & Industry Articles
-Academic Onefile

An Introduction to Genius Hour

This year in our Advanced Language Arts classes, we are starting a Genius Hour project that coincides with our Courage reading unit. The goal is to spend 20% of our class time for the rest of the year working on projects that will individually challenge our courage. We have a lot more freedom than normal curriculum activities that require rubrics and a lot less creativity. I am excited to learn something new about myself and my peers, and also challenge my comfort zone. Some difficulties that I see along the way are getting the result of my project the way I want it to, and having technology malfunctions.

Pros/Cons of working alone:

• More (most all) control over your ideas                 
• Don't have to do double the work
• Less input, opinions, ideas                    

Pros/Cons of working with a group:

• More brain power 
• Developing teamwork                                      
• Have to do double the work
• Arguing/Disagreements
• Less control over ideas

Two ideas that I am thinking of working on are:

1. Running a trial-and-error baking project to learn how to successfully make macarons.

2. Fundraising for J.K. Rowling's Lumos charity.