| Program |
GeoBee |
Geography Search |
My First Amazing World Explorer 2.0 |
Where in the World is Carmen Sandiegeo? v3.5.3 |
World Discovery Deluxe v2.03 |
| Publisher |
National Geographic Society
(800) 437-5521 |
Tom Snyder Productions
(800) 342-0236 |
DK Interactive Learning
(877) 342-5357 |
The Learning Co.
(800) 395-0277 |
McGraw-Hill Childrenýs Publishing/Great Wave Software
(800) 253-5469 |
| Platform |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac CD; available also in Mac and Win disk |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
Mac/Win CD |
| Price |
$29.95ý$39.95; Teacherýs Edition available for $59.95. |
$149; Site and network licenses available. |
$49.95; Lab packs, site and network licenses available. |
$69.95; Lab packs, site and network licenses available. |
$39.99; Site licenses and lab packs available. |
| Grade Level |
4-8 |
5-9 |
K-2 |
3-6 |
3-8 |
| Targeted Skills |
Geography and cultural awareness |
Geography and navigation; collaboration and critical thinking skills |
Geography, cultural awareness, and map reading |
Geography, cultural awareness, foreign languages, country facts, problem solving, and critical thinking |
Geography, map reading, and cultural awareness |
| Special Features |
ý Competition draws from 2,000 National Geography Bee questions
ý Single- and multiplayer modes |
ý Computer-controlled simulation designed for up to six groups containing 4-5 students per group |
ý Internet links
ý Includes 2 CDs for 2-station use
ý High-quality multimedia sights and sounds
ý Printable screens and maps |
ý Popular phrases in 12 languages
ý Internet links
ý No penalty if players ask a program guide for help
ý 360-degree rolling screens |
ý Editor feature lets players enter their own questions
ý Tracks student performance
ý Print copy of any screen map
ý Options for single player or tournament mode with teams of up to six players
ý Highly customizable |
| Limitations |
ý Only runs in 256-color modeýand it isnýt ýsmartý enough to make the adjustment for you
ý Program doesnýt let players question categories
ý Players canýt create their own questions or turn off timer
ý No Internet links |
ý No Internet links |
ý Busy interface makes it difficult to figure out how to print maps, screens, and text boxes
ý Simplistic facts |
ý A bit heavy-handed on the puns |
ý No Internet links
ý Canýt turn off timer (although students can turn off the distracting timer sound, and the timer doesnýt limit or affect game play) |
| Strengths |
ý Fast-paced with thousands of questions
ý Presents correct answer before moving on to the next question |
ý Fosters cooperation and collaborative learning |
ý Activity rich with open-ended activities in a non-competitive format |
ý Encourages kids to seek help from online guides
ý No penalty for taking time to think
ý Information-rich database of geographical and cultural facts |
ý Well-designed interface simplifies game play
ý Fun and motivational
ý High-quality voiced pronunciations of geographical locations
ý Foreign language instruction |
| Support Material |
ý None |
ý Detailed Teacherýs Guide with classroom management tips, review questions, search words, extension activities, timelines, and reproducibles
ý Seven copies of four Navigational Log Books (Longitude Measurer, Provisions & Depth Recorder, Latitude Measurer, and Wind Recorder) |
ý Teacherýs Guide with black line masters and lesson plans stating clear learning objectives |
ý None |
ý School Edition comes with lesson plans, black line masters, and suggested class activities |
