How search results are ranked
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how search results are ranked.
Key learning points
- Search engine indexes can be ordered by rank.
- Search engines follow rules to rank results.
- Search engines use different criteria to rank results.
Keywords
Rank - the order search results appear in, based on how useful and relevant they are
Algorithm - a precise set of ordered steps, which can be followed by a human or a computer to do a task
Common misconception
There is no order to the results given by a search engine, it is just whichever results have been found first.
Search engines order results following algorithms or rules to move some results nearer the top of the results list.
Teacher tip
Demonstrate how results in search engines change by using examples pupils will be familiar with. You should test your search results before the lesson, to ensure that results are appropriate.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of a search engine?
Q2.What does a web crawler do?
Q3.What is the catalogue where search engines store web page information?
Q4.Put these in the order to create an index:
Q5.Which of these is NOT a role of a search engine?
Q6.What happens if a search engine’s index is not updated?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the order of search results called?
Q2.Match the terms to their definitions:
a precise set of steps followed to complete a task
a tool that finds websites based on search terms
how useful a result is, based on the search term
orders results
Q3.What does the rank of a result depend on?
Q4.What is one criterion search engines might use to rank results?
Q5.What is the role of a search engine’s index in ranking?
Q6.Order the steps of ranking search results:
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: How search results are ranked, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 computing lesson on: How search results are ranked, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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