When using the Boolean operator AND, you give the computer two conditions that must be met before it can locate Web pages. Using AND in your keyword search excludes (ignores) all the pages that do not contain BOTH words. (It is best to capitalize Boolean operators because some search engines require it.)

Here's an example:

You studied the atmosphere in 7th grade, and will study the hydrosphere in 8th grade. Most likely, you will be totally fascinated by the way the hydrosphere and the atmosphere work together to create deep, powerful ocean currents and tremendous waves. Let's do a few fun searches on these topics!

One of your search statements might look like this:

ocean AND atmosphere AND waves

The following search statement means the same thing as the one above:

+ocean +atmosphere +waves

Here's how to use spaces in the above search statements. Put one space before and after the word AND. Also, there is a space in front of the plus signs +.

Turn on Rockwell Schrock's Boolean Machine to better understand the concept of using AND. Roll your cursor over AND, OR, and NOT and watch what happens to the picture.

Let's try this search with NC WiseOwl. Quick tip: Print these directions before you link to the site.

(If you are asked for a password, type: wiseowl.)

1. Click ENCYCLOPEDIAS on the NC WiseOwl home page.
2. Click the OPEN button underneath Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia.
3. Find the search box, and then click on the button labeled ADVANCED. You're going to do an advanced search using Boolean logic!
4. Make sure FULL TEXT SEARCH is selected. You want to search through entire articles, not the "article titles only."
5. Type or paste this in the search box: atmosphere
6. Leave AND selected in the next drop menu, then type ocean in the search box to the right of the word AND.
7. Leave AND selected in the next drop menu, then type waves in the last search box.
8. Click GO!