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by Cindy O'HoraEducational CD allows students to interact with the fundamentals
This CD teaches students about scientific inquiry by exploring eight different content areas in a 3D virtual science hall. Its ÒMyst likeÓ presentation is engaging and encourages students to explore each of the areas. Students are supplied with a virtual notebook where they are encouraged regularly to write hypothesis, observations, data and conclusions.
Aquarium allows the student to explore the outcome of changes in temperature, pH, muddiness, and aeration on the plants and animals they place in the water environment. It is a great way to demonstrate the effects of acid rain.
Go to Dig It and embark on an archeological dig. Discover fossils and see what conclusions you draw about what happen there. As you uncover a fossil you are given a brief description of it. Use the notebook to make notes and a hypothesis about your discovery. As you explore further, you may just find you want to modify your assumptions.
Data from Space challenges the student to figure out which planet of our Solar System their satellite is orbiting, using the data it sends back. The student can obtain data on the gravity, atmosphere, an image, and temperature.The data is shown in a variety of formats including graphs, numerically and through sound. Which is most helpful? Go to the fact sheets and decided which planet the data describes.
Recycling has students address the challenge of how can to separate the mixed materials. The Nerve Express is an experiment in reaction times both under normal conditions and then under the influence of alcohol. It includes is a great multimedia presentation of how nerves conduct messages. There are sections exploring Paramecia, as well as, Genes and Traits. Finally, Shadow Watch takes students through the experiment used by Erotosthenes to measure the earthÕs circumference before 200ÊB.C.
In addition to the experiments, clicking on areas of the screen gives you additional information about the topic or an instrument. For example: in Data from Space the instruments used by the satellite to obtain the data are explained as well as the advantages of examining specific features of the photos like edges or color.
There is an extensive glossary which includes pronunciation. It is easily accessed via hypertext throughout the product. An easy click returns the user to their experiment. Navigation through the product is very well done. Quitting is as easy Command... Q or the exit door.
There is a clear, concise 44 page user manual provided on paper and on the CD. You can purchase a teacherÕs manual. Per the manual, this product follows the National Science Education Standards for grades 5 - 8. It encourages learning through inquiry based, interactive, active participation.
 SRP: $29.99 |