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Instruction Tools: Search Strategy Game

Search Strategy Game Instructions

How to Play: Search Strategy Game

This game is designed to help you practice creating effective search strategies for college-level research. You'll apply what you learned in the Brainstorming lesson and the Search Tips & Strategies page.

For each round, click PLAY to reveal a student’s research topic or paper idea and then practice developing a search statement, using the techniques described in the Information Literacy 101 course modules. Think about keywords, synonyms, and words that might be best searched as a phrase. 

There are no wrong answers—this is a chance to practice and get inspired!

Pro Tip: To identify key terms, think about the words you might use to describe the idea to a friend.

Search Strategy Game

Search Strategy Game
Search Strategy Game
Click PLAY to start!

Text Version of the Search Strategy Game

Text version of the Search Strategy Game: pick a number between 1-100 and then use the statement that corresponds to that number in the following list. To play additional rounds, simply pick a different number.

  1. I want to research how teenagers are being affected emotionally by constantly seeing perfect lives on Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms and how this impacts their self-esteem and mental health.
  2. My paper will examine whether incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation and breathing exercises in college classrooms could help students manage stress and improve their learning outcomes and academic performance.
  3. I'm interested in exploring whether AI tools like ChatGPT are helpful or harmful to creative writing processes, and if they will eventually replace human authors or just become another tool for writers to use.
  4. For my environmental science class, I should investigate how rising sea levels and stronger hurricanes from climate change are affecting people living in coastal towns and cities, and what adaptation strategies these communities are implementing.
  5. My music appreciation professor wants us to write about how jazz music developed in American cities like New Orleans and Chicago, and how it reflected the African American experience throughout the 20th century.
  6. I need to find out if playing video games regularly could actually improve certain brain functions like problem-solving, spatial awareness, and decision-making skills, or if they mostly have negative effects on cognitive development.
  7. For my bioethics paper, I want to explore the moral questions surrounding genetic modification technologies like CRISPR, especially when it comes to editing human embryos and potentially creating designer babies.
  8. My anthropology professor assigned us to write about how tattoos have different meanings across cultures around the world, and how their social acceptance has changed throughout history in American society.
  9. I'm curious about how the worldwide food distribution system affects local farming communities and traditional food practices, especially in developing countries that are being influenced by Western food corporations.
  10. My psychology paper needs to address how increasing isolation in modern society might be creating a loneliness epidemic, and what the mental and physical health consequences might be for different age groups.
  11. I should research how social media has allowed regular people to report on news events through platforms like Twitter and TikTok, and whether this citizen journalism is making traditional news media less relevant or trusted.
  12. For my healthcare technology class, I want to examine if virtual reality environments can be effective therapeutic tools for treating anxiety disorders, phobias, and PTSD in patients who don't respond to traditional therapy.
  13. My environmental studies paper will look at what factors are causing deforestation in the Amazon rainforest and other regions, and how the loss of these trees affects global climate patterns and biodiversity.
  14. I'm planning to write about the historical barriers that prevented women from entering scientific and technical fields, and profile some important female scientists who overcame these obstacles throughout history.
  15. I should investigate whether the common practice of college students pulling all-nighters and getting insufficient sleep is significantly harming their ability to retain information and perform well on exams.
  16. My sustainability class requires a paper on how trendy, inexpensive clothing brands create environmental problems through excessive waste, resource consumption, and pollution throughout their manufacturing process.
  17. For my political science course, I want to examine how different countries create and enforce their immigration laws, and debate whether stricter or more lenient policies are better for both immigrants and host nations.
  18. My music history professor suggested I write about how hip-hop evolved from block parties in the Bronx to become a global cultural phenomenon that influences fashion, language, and social movements worldwide.
  19. I'm interested in researching whether growing up speaking two languages gives people cognitive advantages like better multitasking abilities, enhanced memory, and delayed onset of dementia compared to monolingual individuals.
  20. For my media studies class, I should analyze how political campaign advertisements and social media posts use manipulative tactics to influence voters' opinions and behaviors during election seasons.
  21. My education major requires me to compare and contrast different teaching approaches like lecture-based instruction, project-based learning, and flipped classrooms to determine which methods work best for different subjects and student populations.
  22. I'm writing about how the development of the internet has transformed everything from how we shop and communicate to how we find romantic partners and consume entertainment over the past few decades.
  23. My environmental health paper should investigate how air pollution from factories, vehicles, and power plants increases rates of asthma, lung cancer, and other respiratory conditions in nearby communities.
  24. For my literature class, I'll explore how traditional fairy tales from different cultures reflect societal values and gender roles, and how these stories have been reinterpreted in modern films and books.
  25. My agricultural sciences professor wants us to research the challenges farmers face when trying to implement sustainable growing methods while still producing enough food to be economically viable in today's market.
  26. I should write about how online harassment through social media affects teenagers' mental health, academic performance, and social relationships, and what schools are doing to address this problem.
  27. My sociology paper will examine how grassroots movements like Black Lives Matter, Me Too, and climate activism use social media to organize protests and pressure politicians to enact policy changes.
  28. For my international relations class, I'll analyze how the increasing use of unmanned aerial vehicles in military operations has changed warfare tactics and raised ethical questions about remote killing.
  29. I'm interested in tracing how photography evolved from a purely documentary medium to being recognized as a legitimate art form with its own exhibitions, famous practitioners, and artistic movements.
  30. My urban planning project should study how constant noise from traffic, construction, and other human activities disrupts sleep patterns and breeding behaviors of birds, mammals, and other wildlife in city environments.
  31. For my ethics class, I need to present arguments both for and against using animals in medical testing, cosmetic product development, and psychological experiments, considering both scientific benefits and animal welfare concerns.
  32. My anthropology research paper will focus on how indigenous communities around the world maintain their traditional practices, languages, and belief systems while adapting to modern economic and technological changes.
  33. I should investigate whether social media algorithms create \echo chambers\ where people only see content that reinforces their existing beliefs, contributing to greater political division and extremism in society.
  34. For my education psychology class, I want to research if schools that incorporate outdoor activities, nature exposure, and environmental education see improvements in student engagement, physical health, and academic outcomes.
  35. My technology ethics paper will examine how dating apps use matching algorithms to connect potential partners, and whether these systems contain biases related to race, appearance, or socioeconomic status.
  36. I'm planning to write about how experiencing neglect, abuse, or other traumatic events during childhood can affect brain development, emotional regulation, and risk for mental health disorders throughout adulthood.
  37. My popular culture class requires a paper on how comic books and graphic novels have evolved from simple superhero stories to complex narratives addressing social issues, and how they've gained literary respect over time.
  38. I should research how artificial lighting from cities, highways, and buildings affects nocturnal animals' hunting patterns, migration routes, and reproductive cycles in nearby natural habitats.
  39. For my medical ethics course, I need to analyze the complex moral and legal debates surrounding physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia for terminally ill patients, considering religious perspectives, patient autonomy, and medical principles.
  40. My cultural anthropology professor suggested I examine how different societies use food preparation, meals, and celebrations as ways to strengthen community bonds, mark important life events, and pass down cultural traditions.
  41. I want to investigate how streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have changed movie production budgets, distribution methods, and viewing habits compared to the traditional theater and DVD rental models.
  42. For my psychology paper, I'll explore whether participating in art-making activities like painting, drawing, or sculpture can help people process trauma, reduce anxiety, and express emotions that are difficult to verbalize.
  43. My public health class requires research on how false information about vaccines, treatments, and disease transmission can spread rapidly online during health emergencies, potentially causing real-world harm to vulnerable populations.
  44. I'm writing about the historical competition between the United States and Soviet Union to reach space milestones, and how current private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are changing the economics and goals of space exploration.
  45. My marine biology paper will focus on how tiny plastic particles enter oceans from consumer products, break down into smaller pieces, and eventually get consumed by fish and other sea creatures, potentially entering the human food chain.
  46. For my criminal justice course, I should examine the ethical implications of using facial recognition and predictive algorithms in policing, considering issues of privacy, racial bias, and effectiveness in preventing crime.
  47. My world history class requires a paper comparing how ancient civilizations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, and the Maya developed systems of writing, architecture, agriculture, and governance that reflected their environments and belief systems.
  48. I plan to research how the influx of wealthier residents and upscale businesses into historically working-class neighborhoods affects housing costs, local businesses, and community dynamics for long-time residents.
  49. For my performing arts education paper, I'll investigate whether schools that maintain strong music programs see benefits in students' mathematical abilities, language skills, collaboration capabilities, and overall academic engagement.
  50. I want to investigate how the Columbia River's ecological health impacts local fishing industries and Indigenous communities in the Pacific Northwest.
  51. My sociology paper will examine how Vancouver, Washington's proximity to Portland, Oregon affects its cultural identity, economic opportunities, and community development.
  52. For my healthcare administration class, I'll research how community colleges can better prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing medical field in Southwest Washington.
  53. I'm curious about how climate change is affecting the agricultural practices of small farmers in the Willamette Valley and what sustainable adaptations they're implementing.
  54. My history project will explore how the Lewis and Clark expedition documented the indigenous populations and natural resources of what would later become Washington state.
  55. I want to analyze how the legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington has impacted local economies, public health outcomes, and criminal justice systems since implementation.
  56. For my urban planning class, I'll investigate how Vancouver's public transportation system could be improved to better serve community college students who commute from surrounding areas.
  57. My environmental science paper will examine the effectiveness of salmon restoration projects in the Columbia River Basin and their importance to regional ecosystems.
  58. I'm researching how the growing tech industry in the Pacific Northwest is creating new career pathways for community college graduates without traditional four-year degrees.
  59. For my economics class, I want to analyze how the lack of sales tax in Oregon affects consumer behavior and retail development in neighboring Vancouver, Washington.
  60. My nursing program requires a paper on how community health workers can address healthcare disparities among immigrant populations in Clark County.
  61. I'll investigate whether tiny home communities could be a viable solution to address housing affordability issues facing students and low-income residents in Vancouver.
  62. For my geology course, I want to research how Mount St.
  63. Helens' 1980 eruption continues to affect the region's landscape, ecology, and volcanic monitoring systems.
  64. My communications project will examine how local news outlets in smaller cities like Vancouver maintain relevance and financial sustainability in the digital age.
  65. I'm interested in exploring how community college makerspaces and innovation labs are preparing students for manufacturing jobs in Southwest Washington.
  66. For my education class, I'll research how dual-credit programs between high schools and community colleges affect college completion rates and student debt levels.
  67. My business ethics paper will analyze how small businesses in downtown Vancouver balance profit motives with community responsibility and environmental sustainability.
  68. I want to study how seasonal affective disorder impacts student academic performance and mental health during the Pacific Northwest's darker winter months.
  69. For my culinary arts program, I'll explore how Vancouver's restaurants incorporate locally-sourced ingredients and Native American food traditions into contemporary cuisine.
  70. My public health project will investigate the effectiveness of harm reduction approaches to addressing the opioid crisis in Clark County and surrounding areas.
  71. I'm researching how the Columbia River Treaty between the United States and Canada impacts water resource management, hydroelectric power, and conservation efforts.
  72. For my computer science class, I'll examine how local government agencies in Washington state are implementing cybersecurity measures to protect citizen data.
  73. My anthropology paper will explore how Pacific Northwest tribal casinos have influenced economic development, cultural preservation, and self-governance for Indigenous nations.
  74. I want to analyze how Vancouver's historic buildings could be repurposed to create affordable studio spaces for artists while preserving architectural heritage.
  75. For my forestry class, I'll investigate how sustainable logging practices in Washington's forests balance economic needs with environmental conservation.
  76. My sociology project will examine how multigenerational households in Vancouver's diverse communities navigate cultural traditions, shared resources, and family dynamics.
  77. I'm curious about how local craft breweries in the Pacific Northwest have influenced tourism, revitalized industrial areas, and created new economic opportunities.
  78. For my early childhood education course, I'll research how outdoor preschools in the Pacific Northwest affect children's environmental awareness and physical development.
  79. My political science paper will analyze how Vancouver's city government structure compares to neighboring Portland and how this affects policy implementation and community representation.
  80. I want to investigate how community college workforce development programs are adapting to meet the needs of Vancouver's changing industrial landscape.
  81. For my psychology class, I'll explore how access to natural spaces in the Pacific Northwest affects stress levels and mental health outcomes for urban residents.
  82. My marketing project will examine how small businesses in Vancouver effectively compete with larger Portland retailers through localized branding and community engagement.
  83. I'm researching how increasing wildfire seasons in the Pacific Northwest impact air quality, public health, and outdoor recreation in Vancouver and surrounding areas.
  84. For my women's studies class, I'll investigate the contributions of female leaders to Washington state's political history and progressive policy development.
  85. My engineering paper will analyze how earthquake resilience is being incorporated into infrastructure planning and building codes in the Pacific Northwest's seismic zones.
  86. I want to study how different cultural communities in Vancouver celebrate their heritage through festivals, food traditions, and community gatherings.
  87. For my meteorology course, I'll research how the unique weather patterns of the Columbia River Gorge influence local agriculture, recreation, and daily life.
  88. My philosophy project will examine how the Pacific Northwest's reputation for environmental consciousness shapes ethical discussions around consumption and sustainability.
  89. I'm interested in exploring how Vancouver's healthcare facilities are implementing telehealth services to reach rural patients throughout Southwest Washington.
  90. For my film studies class, I'll analyze how the Pacific Northwest's distinctive landscapes and urban settings have been represented in cinema and television.
  91. My nutrition paper will investigate how food insecurity affects academic performance among community college students in Clark County and what support programs exist.
  92. I want to research how local Indigenous language revitalization efforts in Washington state are preserving cultural knowledge and creating intergenerational connections.
  93. For my renewable energy course, I'll examine the potential for expanding solar power implementation in Washington despite its reputation for cloudy weather.
  94. My sociology project will explore how Vancouver's religious communities address social issues like homelessness, food insecurity, and support for immigrants.
  95. I'm researching how community college transfer pathways to Washington state universities can be improved to increase bachelor's degree completion rates.
  96. For my kinesiology class, I'll investigate how Vancouver's trail systems and outdoor recreation opportunities contribute to community health and wellness.
  97. My communications paper will analyze how Clark County's increasing cultural diversity is reflected in local media representation and community storytelling.
  98. I want to study how local veterinary practices and animal shelters in Vancouver are addressing pet overpopulation and access to affordable animal healthcare.
  99. For my hospitality management course, I'll research how Vancouver's tourism industry could better capitalize on its position between Portland and the scenic Columbia River Gorge.
  100. My capstone project will examine how community college entrepreneurship programs can better support student startups that address specific needs in Vancouver's local economy.
  101. My communications class project will analyze how advertisements use visual elements like color, composition, and symbolism to create emotional responses and persuade consumers to purchase products or support certain brands.

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