What is the ‘find’ function?
Explanation: Most browsers have a built-in “find” function that allows the user to search for a specific word or series of words within a web page.
 
In Firefox you can open the ‘find’ function in two different ways: using the menu bar or using a keyboard shortcut. Unlike the pop-up window in Safari, Firefox presents the Find window in the lower frame of the Firefox window.  This makes it easy to see and use in an ongoing manner as it is located in a predictable location.  Firefox also offers extra tools within the Find function. With a simple mouse click - it highlights all of the found words in a nice bright color!
 
 
How does it work in the classroom?
When reading a web page it is often overwhelming to find specific information, especially when the page is long or complicated/busy.  There is an “Easy Button” to use in this situation: the “find” option!  In Firefox the FIND window is part of the regular window- just look in the lower-left side!
 
 
Menu bar:  With the web page of choice open, go to the menu bar located at the top of the browser.
Go to the Menu Bar:  EDIT --> FIND  and type in your word. Keyboard shortcut:  With the web page open press the following keys at the same time: APPLE   F  
 
In Firefox the FIND window stays open at the bottom of the web page until you close it using the “x” button to the left of the word “find”.  I  have placed a red circle around the close button and placed a red and black arrow where you type in the word to find on the web page.
 
 
 
Finding Words on a Web Page with Firefox
(C) Eva La Mar 2007
One to One Program Development Specialist
Springfield Middle School -Springfield Public Schools
Oregon
How do I locate the word on the web page? What does it look like?
Once you have typed the word into the find window, it will be highlighted in bright yellow! You can even choose to ‘show all’ and have all of the found words highlighted..
 
How do I learn how to do this?
You can download the handout and see the step-by-step directions, watch the videos or do both!  Listed below are the ‘learning activity’ handouts and video options! The videos are in small chunks and may be replayed as often as needed!
 
Learning Activities:
 
HANDOUTS FOR DOWNLOADING
  1.  Printable File: find-tab-Firefox.pdf(pdf file)
  2. Printable File: Combined handout of Safari and Firefox tools (tabbed browsing included) Browser-find-dict-combo.pdf (pdf file)
 
VIDEOS ON PAGE (click to view)
  1. Video 1: Overview of Firefox’s Find function
 
If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader, download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free!
 
 
 
 
(C) Eva La Mar 2007
One to One Program Development Specialist
Springfield Middle School -Springfield Public Schools
Oregon