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Boolean Query Builder

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About This MicroSim

This MicroSim helps you understand boolean search by visually constructing queries with AND, OR, and NOT operators.

Iframe Embed Code

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<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/search-microsims/sims/boolean-query-builder/main.html"
        height="552px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Description

Boolean Operators

Operator Symbol Effect Example
AND ∩ Both terms required physics AND simulation
OR ∪ Either term acceptable pendulum OR wave
NOT ¬ Exclude term wave NOT ocean

How to Use

  1. Enter search terms in the text fields (up to 3)
  2. Select operators (AND/OR) between terms
  3. Check NOT boxes to exclude terms
  4. Watch the Venn diagram show which regions match
  5. See matching results from the sample database
  6. Load presets to see common query patterns

Preset Examples

Preset Query Purpose
Basic AND physics AND simulation Require both terms
Synonym OR pendulum OR wave Accept either term
Exclusion wave AND physics NOT ocean Exclude unwanted matches
Complex (pendulum OR physics) NOT art Combined logic

Learning Objectives

After using this MicroSim, students will be able to:

  1. Construct boolean search queries using AND, OR, and NOT
  2. Visualize query logic using Venn diagrams
  3. Predict which documents match complex queries

Lesson Plan

Introduction (5 minutes)

  • Explain why simple keyword search isn't always enough
  • Introduce the three boolean operators

Hands-On Building (15 minutes)

  1. Start with "Basic AND" preset - observe results
  2. Change operator to OR - what happens to result count?
  3. Add NOT to the third term - how does this filter?
  4. Try "Complex" preset - trace the logic

Practice Problems (10 minutes)

Give students scenarios and have them build queries: - "Find physics simulations about pendulums, not art projects" - "Find anything about waves OR oscillations" - "Find physics content that isn't videos"

Discussion (5 minutes)

  • When is AND more useful than OR?
  • What are the dangers of using NOT too broadly?
  • How do parentheses change query meaning?

References