Vocabulary Development Activity

Before searching, it is important that students have a command of the different terms used in American Memory.

1. Write your own definition of the following terms.

Term	Definition
Search by Keyword
Browse Subject Index
Browse Title Index
Timeline

2. Share your definitions with the group.
3. Determine uniform definitions as a group.

Term	Definition
Search by Keyword
Browse Subject Index
Browse Title Index
Timeline

4. In pairs, go to a collection of your choice. Decide on a topic of interest. Search for this topic using different methods—search, browse, timeline (as appropriate).
   
   
5. Describe how the different search methods worked, what results were found using each method, and which method worked best.

	How method worked	Results found	Worked best? (yes/no)
Search by Keyword
Browse Subject Index
Browse Title Index
Timeline

6. Now that you know what works best for you, you are ready to use the collection!
   
   
7. Tips
• Use one collection at a time with this age group.
• Use the Synonym List provided on the Learning Page.
• Use the Search Tips provided in American Memory.