National Academies Press: OpenBook

Resources for Teaching Middle School Science (1998)

Chapter: 6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs

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Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

Researching with software

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

CHAPTER 6
SOURCES OF INFORMATION ON EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE AND MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMS

6.1 The American Biology Teacher

The American Biology Teacher (see 9.3) includes regular departments entitled "AV Reviews" and "Computer Center" that feature reviews of films, videos, laserdiscs, and software programs. Software reviews included in this journal provide a general description of the software's purpose and information on ease of operation.

Issues/price: 8 per year; $48 per year for National Association of Biology Teacher members; $60 per year for nonmembers. Available from: National Association of Biology Teachers.

6.2 Astronomy

The "New Products" department of Astronomy magazine (see 9.6) sometimes includes reviews of software. Product reviews and buying guides that include software are also available on the Internet at http://www.kalmbach.com/astro/astronomy.html.

Issues/price: 12 per year; $34.95 per year. Available from: Kalmbach.

6.3 Booklist

The "Audiovisual Media" section of Booklist magazine recommends materials for all age groups, from preschool through adult. Each year this section reviews more than 1,000 items for school, public library, and home use. Among the items reviewed are curriculum-related videos, audio materials, audiobooks, videodiscs, microcomputer software, and CD-ROMs. A selection of reviews is available on the Internet at http://www.ala.org/booklist.

Issues/price: 22 per year; $69.50 per year. Available from: American Library Association.

6.4 California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse,

801 County Center III Court, Modesto, CA 95355-4490 (209) 525-4979 http://www.clearinghouse.k12.ca.us

The California Instructional Technology Clearinghouse evaluates instructional technology resources—programs that use a computer, a VCR or a laserdisc player, a network or the Internet, or any combination of these—for use in California schools. The California Technology in the Curriculum Evaluations Database—on all types of instructional technology resources—is available on the Internet at http://www.clearinghouse.k12.ca.us. Databases are also available in print and on CD-ROM at the Clearinghouse's Software Resource Centers located in California county offices of education. A Clearinghouse publication entitled Guidelines for the Evaluation of Instructional Technology Resources for California Schools , contains the evaluation criteria used for reviews.

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

ABOUT THE ANNOTATIONS IN CHAPTER 6

The annotations in chapter 6 include publications and organizations that specialize in reviewing computer software and other multimedia instructional materials appropriate for middle school science classrooms. The listing is not meant to be exhaustive but to serve as a research tool that readers can reference for locating diverse sources of information on this topic.

The annotations are arranged in one alphabetical listing. Some annotations contain cross-references to fuller descriptions of the same titles in other chapters. For example, The American Biology Teacher is also annotated in chapter 9, "Periodicals."

The prices given for books and other publications in chapter 6 do not include costs for shipping and handling. Before placing an order, readers are advised to contact the publishers of these items for current ordering information, including shipping charges. In some cases, discounts or special rates may be available to schools and educators.

Publishers' names are cited in the bibliographic data for books. The name of the place to contact for ordering a periodical is given immediately after its annotation. Publishers' addresses and telephone and fax numbers, as well as e-mail addresses, when available, are listed in appendix A, "Publishers and Suppliers."

6.5 Children's Software Revue

Children's Software Revue provides parents, schools, and libraries with reviews and other information to help them use computers effectively with children between the ages of 2 and 15. Each issue of the magazine includes more than 120 software reviews, comparisons of programs for each school subject area, and information about useful Internet sites. The Children's Software Revue database of nearly 3,000 titles is available on the Internet at http://www.childrenssoftware.com.

Issues/price: 6 per year; $29 per year. Available from: Active Learning Associates.

6.6 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC),

The Ohio State University, 1929 Kenny Rd., Columbus, OH 43210-1079 (614) 292-7784; (800) 621-5785 http://www.enc.org

The Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC), which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is a clearinghouse for science and mathematics education information for grades K-12. The clearinghouse maintains a collection of curriculum resources in many formats (print, audio, multimedia, video, kits, games). ENC Resource Finder, a detailed catalog of these resources, is available at the ENC Web site ENC Online, which is accessible via World Wide Web [http://www.enc.org], modem [1-800-362-4448 or 1-614-292-9040], and Telnet [enc.org]. Although ENC does not evaluate materials, the catalog cites reviews and evaluations by other organizations.

ENC products and services are available in print and electronic format. They include newsletters (such as ENC Update), topical catalogs (such as ENC Focus), CD-ROMs, and a database of federal programs.

6.7 Electronic Learning

Electronic Learning, a magazine on technology and school change, offers in-depth reviews of hardware and educational software. Special sections focus on evaluation and selection of software and on new and emerging technologies. One section provides a listing of new products available to educators, including software, hardware, CD-ROMs, and videodiscs. Software reviews are also available on the Internet at http://www.scholastic.com/el.

Issues/price: 6 per year; $23.95 per year. Available from: Electronic Learning.

6.8 International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE),

University of Oregon, 1787 Agate St., Eugene, OR 97403-1923 (800) 336-5191 http://www.iste.org

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to improving all levels of education through the use of computer-based technology. ISTE serves as a clearinghouse on the use of technology in education. The society publishes 2 journals (Learning and Leading with Technology [see 6.9] and Journal of Research on Computing in Education), a newsletter (ISTE Update), and a guide (ISTE Resources and Services for Technology-Using Educators).

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

6.9 Learning and Leading with Technology

Learning and Leading with Technology, published by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) (see 6.8 and 9.24), focuses on curriculum development and on practical ideas for using technology in the classroom. Each issue of this journal contains articles by teachers; features; and software reviews that address language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, integrated curricula, and special needs. Other topics in an issue might include multimedia materials, telecommunications, computer science, networking, library and information technology, the single-computer classroom, staff development, and technology planning.

Issues/price: 8 per year; $58 per year for members of International Society for Technology in Education; $65 per year for nonmembers. Available from: International Society for Technology in Education.

6.10 Media & Methods

Media & Methods is a resource magazine for K-12 educators involved with instructional technologies. Feature articles focus on the creative use of media and technologies in education. Multimedia product reviews cover CD-ROMs, computer software, databases, laserdiscs, videos, peripherals, and presentation equipment. Reviews are available on the Internet at http://www.media-methods.com.

Issues/price: 6 per year; $33.50 per year. Available from: American Society of Educators.

6.11 Multimedia Schools

Multimedia Schools is a "how-to" magazine focusing on the needs of school practitioners. Articles, reviews, and columns address issues associated with using electronic information resources in schools. The column "Product Reviews-in-Brief" reviews CD-ROMs, videodiscs, magnetic media, and Web sites that relate to K-12 curricula. Reviews are grouped in 3 categories: elementary school, middle/high school, and general interest. Reviews are available on the Internet at http://www.infotoday.com.

Issues/price: 5 per year; $38 per year. Available from: Information Today.

6.12 NSTA Science Education Suppliers 1998.

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Arlington, Va.: NSTA, 1998. 165 pp.

Price: $5.00

NSTA Science Education Suppliers provides lists of firms that produce computer hardware and software. It also includes lists of manufacturers and distributors of audiovisual materials and other media such as CD-ROMs and videodiscs. Addresses and telephone and fax numbers are provided, as well as e-mail and World Wide Web addresses, where available. This annual directory can be purchased separately, and it is also distributed in conjunction with the January or February issue of the following NSTA periodicals: Science & Children, The Science Teacher, Science Scope, and the Journal of College Science Teaching.

6.13 1997 Educational Software Preview Guide.

Judi Mathis Johnson, ed. Developed by Educational Software Preview Guide Consortium. Eugene, Oreg.: International Society for Technology in Education, 1997. 128 pp.

Price: $14.95 (ISBN 1-56484-125-1)

The 1997 Educational Software Preview Guide was developed by the Educational Software Preview Guide Consortium, which represents 16 organizations involved in evaluating educational software and other technology resources throughout North America. The guide is designed to assist educators in locating software for preview. It lists more than 700 titles of favorably reviewed software for K-12 classroom use; 133 science titles are included. The guide is organized by subject and application and includes computer type, grade level, instructional mode, a brief description of each product, and publisher/developer contact information.

6.14 Only the Best: The Annual Guide to the Highest-Rated Educational Software and Multimedia 1997-1998.

Alexandria, Va.: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1997. 143 pp.

Price: $29.00 (ISSN 1053-4326); on CD-ROM: $150.00

Only the Best is an annual review guide of highly rated educational software and multimedia programs, compiled from the findings of top software and multimedia evaluators. Although software programs on a wide variety of topics are reviewed, science and social studies programs

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

predominate. Each entry includes a program description, cost, grade level, hardware requirements, references for further information, and user tips. The guide, organized by subject area, also includes titles and tips for diverse learners, and a directory of software publishers. Only the Best is also available on CD-ROM and on the Internet at http://www.ascd.org.

6.15 School Library Journal

School Library Journal is written for children's librarians, young adults' librarians, and school librarians. In addition to feature articles and book reviews, it includes reviews of CD-ROMs, computer software, and audiovisual materials.

Issues/price: 12 per year; $87.50 per year. Available from: School Library Journal.

6.16 School Science & Mathematics

School Science & Mathematics is an international journal emphasizing issues, concerns, and lessons within and between the disciplines of science and mathematics in the classroom. The regular column "Technology Reviews" provides information on new and current technology and software. The reviews include a description and rating of the software or technology and tips on its successful use in the classroom.

Issues/price: 8 per year; $35 per year. Available from: School Science and Mathematics Association.

6.17 Science & Children

Science & Children (see 9.38) is a journal on teaching elementary and middle school science. It features "Software Reviews," a regular department that includes reviews of newly available software resources.

Issues/price: 8 per year; $55 per year for members of National Science Teachers Association. Available from: National Science Teachers Association.

6.18 Science Books & Films

Science Books & Films (see 9.39)—produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science—is a journal of critical reviews devoted exclusively to print and nonprint materials in all of the sciences and for all age groups. Each issue contains some 100 evaluations of books, audiovisual materials, and software—for general audiences, professionals, teachers, and students from kindergarten through college. Sample reviews are available on the Internet at http://ehr.aaas.org/ehr/6_0_0.html.

Issues/price: 9 per year; $40 per year. Available from: Science Books & Films.

6.19 The Science Teacher

The Science Teacher (see 9.44) provides articles by science educators on innovations in science teaching, current developments in science, and classroom projects and experiments. Each issue includes reviews of books, software, and audiovisual materials relevant to teaching science in middle and high schools.

Issues/price: 9 per year; $56 per year for members of National Science Teachers Association. Available from: National Science Teachers Association.

6.20 Technology & Learning

Technology & Learning is a leading publication in educational technology, written for K-12 school administrators, teachers, and technology coordinators. The magazine provides product information and guidance in improving and expanding the use of technology in schools. Regularly featured departments include reviews and comparisons of software, with an annual software awards contest; technology updates, featuring a different hardware category or trend each month; and product and program announcements. A searchable database of software reviews is available on the Internet at http://www.techlearning.com.

Issues/price: 10 per year; $24 per year. Available from: Miller Freeman.

6.21 Technology Connection

Technology Connection provides a professional forum for school media and technology specialists as they organize and facilitate access to electronic resources. This magazine includes reviews of new products, tips and pointers, and information on emerging technologies and training opportunities. Electronic products reviewed include videodiscs, CD-ROMs, and computer software. Reviews are available on the Internet at http://www.linworth.com.

Issues/price: 9 per year; $43 per year. Available from: Linworth Publishing.

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×

6.22 The Technology Teacher

The Technology Teacher is a journal on technology education published by the International Technology Education Association—an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. A section called "Product News" includes information on software, CD-ROMs, and Internet resources.

Issues/price: 8 per year; $65 per year. Available from: International Technology Education Association.

6.23 TESS: The Educational Software Selector CD-ROM.

1996 ed. Hampton Bays, N.Y.: Educational Products Information Exchange (EPIE) Institute, 1996.

Price: $82.50 (Updates $32.50)

TESS: The Educational Software Selector CD-ROM (see 8.34) provides an annotated listing of essential information on 18,000 educational software programs for preschool through college from more than 1,300 software publishers. Nearly 4,000 science titles are included. The detailed entries include a program description and software requirements. Search parameters include computer type, grade, price, program type, software title, review score (where available), subject, and supplier.

Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 256
Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 257
Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 258
Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 259
Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 260
Suggested Citation:"6. Sources of Information on Educational Software and Multimedia Programs." Institute of Medicine, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Engineering. 1998. Resources for Teaching Middle School Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/5774.
×
Page 261
Next: PART 3. REFERENCE MATERIALS »
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With age-appropriate, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and sound teaching practices, middle school science can capture the interest and energy of adolescent students and expand their understanding of the world around them.

Resources for Teaching Middle School Science, developed by the National Science Resources Center (NSRC), is a valuable tool for identifying and selecting effective science curriculum materials that will engage students in grades 6 through 8. The volume describes more than 400 curriculum titles that are aligned with the National Science Education Standards.

This completely new guide follows on the success of Resources for Teaching Elementary School Science, the first in the NSRC series of annotated guides to hands-on, inquiry-centered curriculum materials and other resources for science teachers.

The curriculum materials in the new guide are grouped in five chapters by scientific area—Physical Science, Life Science, Environmental Science, Earth and Space Science, and Multidisciplinary and Applied Science. They are also grouped by type—core materials, supplementary units, and science activity books.

Each annotation of curriculum material includes a recommended grade level, a description of the activities involved and of what students can be expected to learn, a list of accompanying materials, a reading level, and ordering information.

The curriculum materials included in this book were selected by panels of teachers and scientists using evaluation criteria developed for the guide. The criteria reflect and incorporate goals and principles of the National Science Education Standards. The annotations designate the specific content standards on which these curriculum pieces focus.

In addition to the curriculum chapters, the guide contains six chapters of diverse resources that are directly relevant to middle school science. Among these is a chapter on educational software and multimedia programs, chapters on books about science and teaching, directories and guides to science trade books, and periodicals for teachers and students.

Another section features institutional resources. One chapter lists about 600 science centers, museums, and zoos where teachers can take middle school students for interactive science experiences. Another chapter describes nearly 140 professional associations and U.S. government agencies that offer resources and assistance.

Authoritative, extensive, and thoroughly indexed—and the only guide of its kind—Resources for Teaching Middle School Science will be the most used book on the shelf for science teachers, school administrators, teacher trainers, science curriculum specialists, advocates of hands-on science teaching, and concerned parents.

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