School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-6-This program begins with a video introduction to the Discovery Channel classroom. There are four learning centers to choose from in the classroom related to the topic of ancient Egypt. The "Library" contains articles on Egypt from the World Book Encyclopedia. There is an option to select narration as well as print. The "Activity Center" offers guided learning experiences with an opportunity for written student responses. There are also jigsaw puzzles which can be manipulated with the cursor. "Brain Teaser" questions provide instant responses and offer an option to read articles to learn about the information covered in the questions. An audio response evaluates how students did on the ten questions. "Can You Relate" requires students to use information in articles to draw conclusions about Egyptian life. "What If" tests users' knowledge of information in the articles by requiring them to type responses. "Circle Logic" asks students to use Venn diagrams to compare present-day life with that in ancient Egypt. In the "Studio" section, students can view and export slides from an 80-image slide show. The "Theater" offers three videos on history, heiroglyphics, and pyramids which include narration and a scrolling text on screen. There is a very detailed help index which users may need to navigate in the many options in this program. The technical quality of the program is excellent. The videos and slides are clear and interesting. Text, pictures, and the student journal can be printed. Installation is straightforward and includes a download of the most recent version of Quick Time. This program could be used for additional in-depth study of ancient Egypt or to permit students to explore this topic at various individual levels and paces.-Diane Balodis, Alden Intermediate School, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.