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Children's Technology Review  4.5 Star Rating - Very Good ComputEd  NSTA Recommends™ Review Back to The Theory of Plate Tectonics |
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From Computer Shopper - Britian's Biggest Computer Magazine PRICE: $59(around £31, single-user license) ISSUE: 226 DATE: Oct 06   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://childrenstech.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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