What’s Internet Public Library?
If you’re looking for a trusted research source, consider the Internet Public Library. Since 1995, IPL.org has provided vetted resources for students, teachers, librarians, and academia. It is a public learning technology service sponsored by University of Michigan’s School of Information, and Drexel University’s College of Information Science & Technology.

“To date, thousands of students have been involved in designing, building, creating and maintaining the IPL and its various services. In addition, hundreds of volunteer librarians throughout the world have been involved remotely, answering reference questions in our Ask a Question service. It is through the efforts of these students and volunteers that the IPL continues to thrive to this day.”

To access, click on Internet Public Library.

Online program for Math and Science
I’ve observed Gizmos at various NSTA conferences, yet I never had to time to complete a lesson. I signed up for the 30-day free trial as a teacher (6-8 grade) to see what Gizmos fully offered.  Gizmos offers interactive simulations allowing students to manipulate the lesson, plus experiment and extend the lesson to develop a better, intuitive understanding of math and science material.

Gizmos offers over 450 interactive simuations teaching students the following subject matter:

MATH SUBJECT MATTER
Grade 3-5
o Number & Operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data Analysis & Probability

Grade 6-8
o Number & operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data analysis & probability

Grade 9-12
o Number & operations
o Algebra
o Geometry
o Measurement
o Data analysis & probability

College
o Developmental math
o College Alg / Precalculus

SCIENCE SUBJECT MATTER
Grade 3-5
o Earth and space science
o Life science
o Physical science
o Measurement skills
o Scientific method

Grade 6-8
o Earth and space science
o Life science
o Physical science

Grade 9-12
o Earth and space science
o Biology
o Chemistry
o Physics

What Gizmos Offers
Home schooling groups, teachers and administrators can create a class, include students or have students include themselves, identify topics, state standards, and can correlate to over 200 textbooks on different strand topics. When a topic is chosen, various lesson simulations can be selected.

Select a Gizmo on one subtopic, and if unsure how to proceed, click on the tutorial video in the left hand column. Lessons provide learning objectives, lesson material, teacher guide, vocabulary and/or assessment questions (both in PDF and Word doc).

The lessons teach students visually, and in written format. For instance, in a fractions simulation students can see why 2/3 is bigger than 3/5, not only with the problem worked out but visually. Extend the problem to see visually, written out and by number line why 2/3 is bigger with a least common denominator (LCD) problem. Students and teachers can also take a snapshot of their work.

Gets the Lesson Across
I jumped around, and tested a number of lessons (Astronomy: Reasons For the Seasons), Cell Biology, Fractions, and Geometry.

Gizmos gives students and teachers immediate feedback, provides hands-on lessons through the computer, and is inquiry based. Labs are data driven, and allows students to see direct results manipulating the lesson. Once a teacher has established a class, students can sign in to work on an assignment, review, or work ahead. Special education students and ESOL students benefit from working at their own pace, or with the video tutorial to guide them.

Online training is available, and from the various lessons I reviewed, provides tutorial videos. Try the free 30-day trial, and see if your school, or home schooling program would benefit.

System Requirements: Mac OS X 9.2; Windows 98; Web based browser (Internet Explorer 6, Safari 1.2, Firefox 1.5); Shockwave 8.5 (free @ Adobe Shockwave), Adobe Flash 9.0 (free @ Adobe Flash), 56 K dial-up or Broadband width
Contact: www.ExploreLearning.com
Cost: No pricing online; contact Explore Learning @ Purchasing Info

Adobe just updated their Digital School Collection for K-12 Classrooms.

The Digital School Collection bundle  “includes the new Adobe® Photoshop® Elements 8 and Adobe Premiere® Elements 8 for Windows® which offer new photo, video and podcasting capabilities that enable students to creatively express ideas through classroom projects. Along with other tools in the collection – Adobe Contribute® CS4, Adobe Acrobat® 9 Pro and Adobe Soundbooth® CS4 – educators can inspire students to develop the problem solving, critical thinking, digital literacy and collaboration skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom and in the future workforce. Additionally, for the first time, Adobe takes advantage of new technologies used in 21st century classrooms by offering netbook compatibility support for Photoshop Elements 8 (Windows) and Adobe Photoshop Elements for the Mac platform.”

Bob Regan, director of worldwide K-12 for Adobe, points out that Adobe’s goals are to ensure K-12 students graduate with competitive skills in the global workforce. Adobe understands the challenges budget-constraint districts face each day.

“We think it’s imperative to deliver affordable solutions like the Digital School Collection that not only inspire students to stay connected to their classroom, but also encourage 21st century and project-based learning.”

Keeping Students And Teachers Equipped With The Right Tools
Free Teacher Resource DVDs are provided incorporating K-12 lesson plans, creative ideas and quick tutorials for implement projects. Find these free teaching resources online at www.adobe.com/education/instruction/adsc .

“Additionally, Adobe and Knowledge Network Solutions Inc. (KNS) together offer professional development courses that help teachers use the new version of Adobe Digital School Collection across academic disciplines.”

PodBean – Free Podcasting Site
Adobe offers Podbean, a free podcasting site on the Adobe website that allows 21st century classrooms to provide syndication publishing for audio/video content distribution.

“With Acrobat 9 Pro, Contribute CS4 and Soundbooth CS4, students have the the ability to integrate multimedia design, video, audio, animation and Web design into projects and ePortfolios that build necessary technology and critical thinking skills for future success.”

Education Pricing Information (US$)
The Adobe Digital School Collection will be available on Oct. 1, 2009.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 (Win): $69
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 (Mac): $69
Adobe Premiere Elements 8 (Win): $69
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 & Adobe Premiere Elements 8 (Win): $119
Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 & Adobe Premiere Elements 8 (Win) K-12 Student Licensing: $99
Adobe Digital School Collection (Win) Volume Licensing only: $149

Individual pricing information can be found at: Adobe Education Pricing.

Volume licensing information is available at: Adobe Education Licensing.

System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.4; Windows XP; Intel or 1.6 GHz processor; 1 GB RAM; 2 GB Hard drive space; 1024 X 576 Monitor; DVD-ROM drive; Internet connection (Firefox 1.5, Explorer 6)
Contact: Adobe.com

Subject Matter: Science

Grades: Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Well Designed Online Curriculum
Learning.com offers Aha!Science and Aha!Math.  For grades K-5, Aha!Science provides good science coverage on:

• Earth and Space
• Physical
• Life

For many elementary teachers, science isn’t something they’ve been required to teach in classrooms.  Many states now require science testing in 5th grade, with teachers scrambling for science content.

Learning.com offers an online well organized, conceptual program for teachers and students.  With a modular design, teachers have multiple choices how to present material to the whole class, or in small groups.  Or students can go online, and learn self-paced.

What’s Offered
Learning.com organizes its science modules into:

• Instruction
• Lessons
• Games
• Simulations
• Activities
• Journals
• Quizzes

The short videos are colorful, with good detail helping to reinforce various topics.  Journaling offers a cross-curriculum tool, helping students to understand the scientific method.

There are many different programs to explore and incorporate, but take a look at Aha!Science.  It’s obvious the material was well thought out, and easy to incorporate into the classroom.

System Requirements: Mac OS X; Windows 98/2000; web browser (Internet Explorer 6.0, Safari 2.0, Mozilla Firefox 1.0); Adobe Flash 7.0; Adobe Reader 7.0, Bandwidth of 64 kb/s per student
Contact: Learning.com
Cost: $120 for Starter Kits w/Teacher Account (1-10 Students); $60 for Expanson Pack (5 Extra Students, includes Starter Kits); Adaptive Curriculum for Aha!Math (6-8th grade) and EasyTech (K-5th and 6-8th grades) link to Learning.com Store.

Learning Online
This program offers a full curriculum for K through 12th grade students, and also a summer school program. For K-8, they offer 75 online courses in seven subjects (Language Arts/English, History, Math, Science, Music, Art and World Languages). Parents and teachers will also receive boxes of textbooks, CDs, video and hands-on material. For the high school students, the program offers 105 online classes in core subjects.

With or Without Teacher Support Worldwide
Students can also subscribe to the material with, or without teacher support.
Check at Find A School to determine if there is a school in your area (within the US, or worldwide).

Cost Varies
Monthly classes start at $29.00. A one-year contract varies. One course costs $22/month. Six courses cost $94/month. View the pricing schedule at Enroll or Buy.

System Requirements: Web based browser
Contact: k12.com
Cost: Check pricing at Enroll or Buy

Subject Matter: Astronomy
Grades: Upper Elementary to Middle School

Teen Star Gazing
Leave it Simulation Curriculum to create another award winning astronomy software and educational study guide. Many U.S.A. and Canadian school systems are including astronomy in their middle and high school science curriculum. Teachers, parents and students can easily master Starry Nights Middle School to view the night sky.

An easy-to-understand Quick Start study guide and lesson plans provide good tutorial material before tackling more challenging material. Lesson plans, rubrics and assessments are provided online and  in the workbook.  I’ve worked with different Starry Night programs, and they never disappoint me.  Listed below are main points Starry Night emphasizes for this program.

Starry Night Middle School provides:

• Lessons plans correlated to state and national standards that meet curriculum needs
• Accurate visualizations and simulations that allow students to make precise observations of Moon phases, motions of the Sun and planets and much more
• Interactive computer exercises and hands-on activities that encourage questioning, experimentation and exploration and accommodate diverse learning styles
• Pre- and post-assessment resources with recommendations for improved student performance
• Flexible teaching models for easy adaptation to pacing and classroom needs
• Opportunities to develop key skills: observation, data collection, analytical thinking and discovery
• Extensions that connect to topics in math, physics, language arts, social studies and technology

Starry Night Middle School is:

• US and Canadian curriculum specific
• Full of pre-tested activities and exercises
• Designed specifically for middle school students
• Hands-on and interactive
• Fun and simple to use

Modular and easy-to-use solution comes complete with:

• 28 detailed lesson plans
• Interactive computer exercises
• Hands-on classroom activities
• Conceptual background for teachers
• Discussion questions
• Assessment tests and answer keys
• Resource lists
• Appendices
• Glossary of astronomical terms

New features highlight the latest theories and address classroom needs:

• 4 lesson plans, focused on the reclassification of Pluto, unmanned space exploration, astrology and black holes
• Math and observing extensions for most lessons
• Revised and expanded assessment resources
  • Pre-assessment Idea Diagrams and Concept Maps identify pre-conceptions
  • Thinking Grids and Contrast and Compare charts develop logical and critical thinking skills
  • Drawing Completion activities and KWL charts assess student understanding
  • Easy-to-use Scoring Rubric evaluate learning of science content and process
• Expanded library of astronomy simulations
• Lesson Plans at a Glance help you choose the lesson plans that best fit your curriculum requirement
• QuickStart Guide for teachers new to astronomy or using Starry Night for the first time

Starry Night provides these simulations:

• Travel through time from 4713 BC to 9999 AD
• Visit 2.5 million stars
• View exclusive Tully database and explore 13,000 deep space objects of the NGC-IC catalog
• Fly through the universe in spaceship mode to experience the vastness of space
• Plan observing sessions using Events Finder full of upcoming astronomical events
• Turn on custom constellation illustrations to view the animals and people from Greek and Roman mythology.

Astronomy  has never been so easy!

System Requirements: Mac OS X 10.3.9; Windows XP
Contact: StarryNightEducation.com
Cost: $199.95; contact for educational license fees

Subject Matter: Astronomy
Grades: Elementary to Middle School (meets Canadian & U.S. National Science Standards)

Stars, Mars and Beyond
For several years, I’ve been teaching astronomy and writing curriculum, so every time I review astronomy software, I ask this question. Would a motivated parent, student or teacher new to this field understand and enjoy using this program?  For Starry Night software, the answer is yes.

Providing More Than Just Software
With astronomy, you can teach practically any subject incorporating the stars and space. Art, literature, story telling, math, history, geography – astronomy bridges different content and subject material. Supernovas, nebulas, and black holes just add another dimension to any subject. And Starry Night Elementary not only provides a diverse software program, the developers support their users with:

• Grades K-2 and 3-4 Lesson Plans
• Resources (graphic organizers, foldables, rubric, planet cards and more)
• Quick Start guide
• Sky Theatre video clips (5-12 minutes)
• Under a Starry Night booklet
• Dipper Clock identifying Constellations
• Online Support

Getting Started
After registering the software, Starry Night opens up to a sky view. The left panel offers different menu choices. Familiarize yourself with the Quick Start Guide to navigate. At the center of the Top Information bar, find the Viewing Location. Click on Options and select your viewing location by scrolling through the cities. Or select Show Where, and type in the largest city nearby.

On the left side panel, there are many different functions. Selecting Favorites provides video and still simulations of commonly taught material (Reasons for the Season, Earth in Space, Milky Way Galaxy, etc.) Sky Guide provides a Welcome Tour, and lessons directly on the computer screen. Or select Night Sky Tours to identify seasonal constellations, Sky Down Under, and other interesting features. Familiarize yourself with the available options, and you’ll be amazed at what this program offers.

Diverse Menu Bar
In the upper Menu Bar, play around with the different selections. View lets you choose how to observe various constellations (stick figures, illustrations, etc.) the Solar System, Celestial Grid, Deep Space and  many other choices. When I  give astronomy presentation for public Boy Scout and Girl Scout groups, I can present the night sky constellations from around the world, the seasons, the moon’s phases, planet positions, and orbital patterns. Want to see what the sky looked like in 1000 B.C.E. – just change the date, and click on AD to change to BC. Starry Night Elementary provides an interactive window to the universe.

Play Around
Don’t be afraid to try different functions, and see what happens. I’m still learning about new and interesting features in Starry Night software. Help is just a click away on the Menu bar. Starry Night also provides a User’s Guide that details the software’s main features, plus the Companion Guide explaining basic astronomy. These are good tools to explore, as you weave your way across the night sky.

The Sky Is Moving
Demonstrating the sky’s 3D movement helps young students visualize events out in space. Students can even simulate taking off and landing a spaceship on Earth. There are so many interesting and diverse functions to Starry Night Elementary. Let students discover as they have fun jumping from planet to planet. Start out with the grade appropriate lesson plans, and build onto your curriculum.

The sky truly is the limit with Starry Night.

For additional specs on Starry Night Elementary, and other products provided by Simulation Curriculum, link onto this article at: SwExpress.com. Online, connect with other educators with the Starry Night community forum. Resources include additional lesson plans, tech support, conference, newsletters and more.

Training is provided by astronomy instructors that have been working with teachers, technical staff and media specialists for many years.  Training costs are based on a sliding scale depending upon the seat license purchase.  Personnel training covers Starry Night functions, and a good basis in the fundamentals of astronomy.  Instructors are current on state and national standards, and correlations.
System Requirements: Mac OS X; Windows XP/Vista
Contact: StarryNightEducation.com
Cost: $129.95; check for educational licensing