Earth
Quest
Software by DK Multimedia
Earth Quest
is a interactive program that allows students to research and explore Earth
Science. Earth Quest can be used in several ways. First, students
may explore the cave, the setting of the Earth Quest, and look at different
types of rocks and minerals, simulate an earthquake or volcano, research
mining, and learn about the origin of the Earth. A quickly moving
time line runs during the programs. It will beep and give the user
the option to jump to the area where a mineral is developing. A navigator
map also allows the user to skip to other sections of the cave. The
second way that is program can be used is in conjunction with the worksheets
provided by the teaching manual. There are 22 activities that include
ideas for fourth through twelfth grades. The activities also include
suggestions for modified programs. Finally, students can be directed
to use the Earth Builder Game. The game asks questions for the students
to solve by searching the cave. Students log into the program,
therefore to keep track of a Earth Builder Score or to save a journal activity,
students will have to use the same computer each time. There does
not seem to be a teacher area to keep track of student progress.
I believe that this program will be a beneficial companion to my Rock WebQuest.
Students not able to be on the RockQuest will be able to use the program
for additional computer time and research. The program has a very
complete index that is easy to use. My only concern for the
program is that it may take a while for my students to learn to use it
to its full potential. For example, for fourth graders to be able
to participate in the Earth Builder Game, they will first have to participate
in at least the first activity which will help them to learn how to use
the program.
Casio
QV - 770
I’ve only
been in possession of this digital camera a week. What fun!
It has so many capabilities that I cannot imagine using all of them.
Some of its functions include: three resolutions, on cameral editing,
the ability to show pictures on a television, 3.2 seconds of video, and
more. The cameral also came with several programs to retrieve the
pictures and for editing. Spin object software was also included.
I plan on using the camera in the creation of my RockQuest. I have
been worried about finding free pictures on the web. I have found
some, but not what I had been hoping to use. With this camera, I
will be able to take my own pictures to add to my pages. The
camera will be a great motivator for my class. They are already excited
about it. With some training students will also be able to use the
camera. I don’t plan on having students work with the camera editing
right away. I want them to be able to take pictures of projects and
activities that are going on in our classroom. I biggest problem
that I see with the camera is that it uses batteries very quickly.
The camera takes four AA batteries. The first set has only been used
for about forty pictures, and the camera is already displaying a warning
about low batteries. Unfortunately, the camera did not include an
AC adapter. The school will have to order one separately.
Forces
of the Earth
This web
site was created by students in a 3/4 classroom in Massachusetts.
The site is divided into four main sections: Earthquakes, Plate Tectonics,
Rocks and Minerals, and Volcanoes. Each section contains about ten
to fifteen related topics. I particularly like the site
because it was written by students at a similar grade level as my class.
My students should be able to easily understand the articles. It
also should be a motivational tool for my students. They can see
an example of an end product for the WebQuest. One major disappointment
is that there are very few graphics with this site. The only graphics
are reached by hyperlinked text. Students will only read about the
rocks and not see any examples. The Ward School site also has
a collection of HyperStudio stacks on geology. To be able to view
the stacks a plugin is needed. The site does a nice job of explaining
how to download the plugin, but I was not able to review the stacks because
the Roger Wagner Publishing (HyperStudio) web site is being moved and was
not accessible.
A
Gem of a Story Online and Stories
Written in Stone Online
These are
companion sites published by Ball State University. The sites were
set up as supplements to virtual field trips which can be purchased for
$75. The field trips are live and students can interact with a scientist
during the broadcast. Even though I do not plan on participating
in one of these virtual field trips, I believe that the sites will be beneficial.
Each site has a section for activities related to rock, minerals, gems
and Earth science. An archive section provides thumbnail pictures
of jewelry made from gems and of the metamorphic rocks. A third section
called exhibits is the gateway for photo tours of seven galleries in the
Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals at the Smithsonian
National Museum of Natural History. Each site also provides a list
of related links. As an added plus of the Stories Written in Stone
site, resources are categorized to correspond with the activities guide.
I do not foresee being able to purchase the live virtual tour, I only see
one other drawback with these sites. They are both under construction.
A Gem of a Story is
missing the final gallery
photo tour of the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall. Stories Written in
Stone is missing igneous and sedimentary rocks from its archive.
Glossary
Galore - What is Earth Science?
This web
site is a very appealing reference tool. The glossary is set on a
background that looks as it is written on a spiral notebook. The
pages are easy to read. They contain hyperlinked text within definitions
providing easy cross reference. After each definition there is a
link to the top of the page. There are also pictures and illustrations
with many of the definitions. I was very pleased when I discovered
this site. I think that my students will find it easy to navigate.
The only problem that I see with the site is that about half of the links
are not working. Fortunately, many of these broken links are sites
I will not need to use in my RockQuest.