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ISSUE: 226 DATE: Oct 06
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The
Theory of Plate Tectonics 2.1
This multimedia presentation, suitable for individual
use as well as classroom demonstrations, is an excellent introduction
to continental drift, or plate tectonics. |
The menu comprises a table of contents so you can access topics quickly.
The audio commentary is also displayed as text and the program has
a comprehensive glossary. There are animations showing the formation
and break-up of Pangea, the one single continent comprising all the
Earth's landmass around 250 million years ago. Other animations show
the mechanics of plate subduction at convergent boundaries, seafloor
spreading at mid-ocean ridges, hotspots and mantle plumes. Subjects
such as the global distribution of earthquakes are illustrated by
maps, and photographs are also used to good effect.
The program can be used at two levels, and users will enjoy dipping
into both to access all the extra material. The Intermediate presentation
looks at the Earth's interior and plate boundaries, while the Advanced
level covers paleomagnetism, magnetic reversals and a section on
how Earth's landmasses may be arranged in 50 million years' time.
From the Children's
Technology Review
September/October 2003 issue
Volume 11, #5, pg. 23 - Science section
Children's Technology Review
http://www.childrenssoftware.com/
The Theory of Plate Tectonics
Rating: 4.5
Publisher: Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
Web site: www.tasagraphicarts.com
Phone: 575-758-5535
Copyright: 2003
Price: $59.00
Platform: Macintosh, Windows
Age range: 13-up
Grade Level: 7, 8, 9, S, Jr, Sr.
CSR Review: This is an interactive exploration of Earth's lithospheric
plates as they changed through time. The program is narrated, easy
to navigate and includes interesting animations and graphics. Among
other things, students can build the supercontinent of Pangaea, examine
microfossils to determine the age of the sea floor, and move the continents
from past to present. Scored review activities track students' grasp
of the concepts. The program aligns with the National Science Education
Standards and the material is presented at two levels: Intermediate
and Advanced (7th grade through introductory college). Content is well
presented and thus easier to understand than many other science programs.
For instance, the glossary uses animations as well as text to explain
concepts. This is an outstanding resource a must-have program for Earth
Science classes.
Date of Review: 5/30/2003
Updated: 9/8/2003
Teaches: Earth Science
From the ComputEd
Gazette Review - 2003
The Theory of Plate Tectonics, Version
2.0
Tasa Graphics Inc. (575) 758-5535
(grades 7 through college)
This geography subject is difficult to teach, even more difficult to
graphically illustrate--and Tasa Graphics has done a superb job of
both in this EDDIES '03 Award winning title.
With a middle school--Intermediate-- version, and a more advanced high
school rendition on the same CD, its easy Install (both Mac and Win)
and Navigate features will appeal to teachers and students alike. It
can be used effectively as a teacher-directed classroom demonstration
or for self-directed study by students.
But what makes this title truly a winner are the outstanding graphics,
photos, and interactive glossary, the many interesting and educational
sidebars to supplement comprehension of the concepts, and the fast,
seamless links throughout the program.
Here on the West Coast (indeed, throughout the world), this is an important
scientific theory--why Mount St. Helen's eruption, why the Oakland
Earthquake occurred are compelling and disturbing questions addressed
by this extremely well-done title in a thorough, level-headed, and
fascinating way.
From NSTA
Recommends™
National Science Teachers Association
The Theory of Plate Tectonics 2.0.1
Authors: Ed Tarbuck and Fred Lutgens
Price at time of review: $59
Tasa Graphic Arts, Inc.
Taos, NM
Copyright 2003
ISBN: 1582560390
Grade level: 5-12
Keywords:
Earth Features
Earth History
Landforms
Reviewed by Jane H. Evans
High School Science Teacher
The Theory of Plate Tectonics is an interactive CD-ROM that explores
the changes in the Earth's lithospheric plates over time. This program
presents information more effectively than is possible by other means,
capturing the student's attention and demanding direct student involvement.
As such, it is appropriate for both student-directed study and for
classroom demonstrations.
The program is fully narrated with superb photographs and detailed
animations. No installation on the computer is needed. Students can
easily maneuver through both the intermediate and advanced levels of
the program with the fast-responding forward and reverse buttons, by
jumping to a specific numbered frame, or by using the index or main
menu. Explanations of scientific concepts are covered in depth, and
scientific terms are defined and pronounced in the illustrated glossary.
The narration begins with an explanation of continental drift. Students
are presented with the evidence and are encouraged to investigate the
movements of the continents from their positions 200 million years
ago to their present locations. Paleomagnetism and sea floor spreading
are visualized. Divergent plate, convergent plate, and transform fault
boundaries are depicted in colorful detail. An explanation of the how
and why of plate movement is included, and predictions are made about
plate movement in the future.
Interactive exercises are an integral part of both initial instruction
and review exercises. These include such activities as manipulating
a globe to observe how the continents have moved since the breakup
of Pangaea, completing graphs of the ocean floor, identifying ridges
and trenches, correlating rock types, and answering questions. Correct
responses are reinforced by both sound and flashing script. If they
answer incorrectly, students are encouraged to seek the right answer,
but can continue on if stumped or frustrated. To maintain student accountability
when used independently or for easy teacher assessment of the periodic
review, questions can be either saved to a file or printed.
This multimedia resource accomplishes things that a textbook cannot
do. It helps students visualize plate movement, understand tectonic
forces, and use models for prediction, making it a valuable classroom
resource.
Review posted 2/19/2004
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