Harnessing Databases - An online exercise

Directions: First: write the kind of information you can obtain in each of these online databases.
Next: use the database to answer the supplementary question(s).
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1. EDGAR -

List 2 people or activities that would use EDGAR's information.

 

 

2. PatFT -

Enter your last name. How many hits did your search yield?

 

Give an example of when you might need information From the PatFT database.

 

What entity maintains the PatFT database?

 

3. IMDb -

The site search has a popup menu. It offers choices like: All, Titles, Names, etc.
These are examples of records or keywords. (Underline the appropriate database term that helps you narrow a search).

 

4. PLANTS -

Click on the PLANT of the week. You will see info offered on Symbol, Group, Family, Growth Habit.

They are examples of ___________________________ (enter the appropriate database term)

 

5. U.S. Gazetteer -

Enter the appropriate data and write your query results:

Now enter Washington in the name field. Search. Look at the number of records.

How is the use of the keyword - state important in your search?

 

6. Registry Whois -

Go to Information about Whois > Search Whois

Enter si.edu - what organization owns that domain name?

 

7. Bartleby.com -

How would the resources, that are available in this database, be useful to you when you are preparing a speech?

 

8. OneLook -

How many resources can be accessed through this database search engine?

Look up "phat". How many resources list it? __________________

TAI (Think About It) - Look up "phat" in a print dictionary. I bet it is not listed.
What are two advantages that an online, digital dictionary database has over a printed dictionary database?

 

9. dmoz - Open Directory Project -

Assess - Is your school listed in the directory? ________________________

 

10. Calorie Counter Database

Does this database actually count calories? ________________________

Name several professionals who would find it useful in their work.

 

 

11. CharityNavigator

Look up an organization you know. Write the name here.

In 2007, the median income of a family in the USA was $50,700.

How much does the CEO of the charity earn?

Does this information impact your decision to contribute?

 

12. GNIS

Look up your community's name or school name.

What information is provided?

Who might use this information?

13. Watch this web video from the New York Times -
Delicious Library - a program that helps you track your book and music collections.

What kind of software is this?

How do you currently organize this data?

Name the database it utilizes.

 

The most dangerous phrase in the language is, "We've always done it this way." Admiral Grace Hopper USN

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Copyright February 2004 Cynthia J. O'Hora All Rights Reserved. Revised 6/2006

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Pennsylvania Academic Standards: Science and Technology 3.7. Technological Devices -
4. E Identify basic computer communications systems. Apply a web browser. Use on-line searches to answer age appropriate questions.
7 C. Explain and demonstrate basic computer operations and concepts. Know specialized computer applications used in the community. 7 D. Apply computer software to solve specific problems. Apply intermediate skills in utilizing database software.7 E. Explain basic computer communications systems. Apply basic on-line research techniques to solve a specific problem. 10 D. Utilize computer software to solve specific problems. Select and apply software designed to meet specific needs10 E. Apply basic computer communications systems.Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening 1.8 Research
5 B. Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies. Use traditional and electronic search tools.
5 C. Organize and present the main ideas from research.

5 B. Locate information using appropriate sources and strategies. Select essential sources - databases