Reviewer: Janna Seifert
EMail: jannabolton@hotmail.com
Graduate student, University of South Carolina
Space Academy, GX-1 (school edition) by Edmark
http://www.laureatelearning.com/
CD-ROM: Win/Mac
Space Academy includes instructions for how to get started as well as suggestions
for using it with students. There are many activities, including extended activities,
for on and off-computer use. There are also worksheets to accompany the program’s
content. It even includes an elementary science curriculum that goes along with
the different modules of the program.
Evaluated on a PC
Date published: 2000
Date reviewed: 04/05/2001
List price: school version: $59.95, lab edition $159.95
Grade: A+
This software does sooooo many things!: It teaches about the revolution of the earth as well as the rotation of the moon. Through guided activities, it instructs about the thrust of the rocket on a spaceship and safety devices for spaceship adaptations to different planetary environments, etc.
I really enjoy the effects on the program. It has many movie/special effects qualities that kids (and adults alike) love, like the verbal praise given when a student answers correctly as well as the prompts when an incorrect answer is given. I especially like it that the program is equipped with a single switch input for students with special needs.
The best things about Space Academy are its accessibility to all individuals, its effects, its fun for everyone qualities, it and the fact that it is simple to explore.
The actual program states that it is intended for students in 3rd through 6th grades. However, I feel that it wouldn’t be inappropriate for students through 8th grade to use, if they have disabilities. Also, it may be inappropriate for students with disabilities under the 5th grade. This, of course, is all contingent upon each individual’s capabilities.
I believe that this program has the potential to be an excellent teaching tool for students of many different abilities.