SIRS Discoverer Basic #2 -
Country - Selected Australia (used the A to Z listing to get there.
Liked the easy to read and find "facts" part of the display. The history was also helpful if looking for that information. The map is bright, colorful and easy to read.
Picked a map from 1860-65 on Civil War battles, the thing I noticed first is that there were a lot of battles in Tennessee and Mississippi but nothing compared to the number in Virginia where most of the Confederate battles were won. Was impressed with the very long list of maps available, this could be very helpful at some point for some of our students.
Went to the Skills Discoverer and opened the portion on Computers, then clicked on the "see more webfind sites on computers, which led back to the Discoverer search feature, so backed back out. Clicked into the "Safety" game. I'm not much of a gamer so didn't go very far but I can see where this would interest many kids and help them learn about Interned safety at the same time.
SIRS Issues Researcher #1
I selected Cellular Phones as my Top 10 issue. Loved the "Pro and Con" section, actually have a professor who will enjoy seeing this feature, even if the topics are below college level discussion she can use the example of how to prepare a pro/con argument. Articles linked look like they are taken from very good sources like local newspapers or magazine. Nice.
#2 Went to curriculum pathfinders for Cellular Phones and looked at the various topics offered, loved the Game Theory stuff, would fascinate our students. Also the tie-in to math, equations, logic and probability. Some stuff here that might interest some of our freshmen. Opened Probabilities and took note of the variety of sources used including newspapers, magazines and (my favorite) government documents. Had to open one of those just to see what it linked too. There are two titles and they couldn't be more different topics, one covers breast cancer, the other the threat of large scale earthquakes. Fascinating.
I'll have to tackle the Advanced Challenge when I get back from Pierre, so expect more on either Wednesday or Thursday.
Good work, Patty! We think Discover's Database Features really add value--and can be useful for all ages. As for Issues Researcher, we know of a couple graduate level students who found exactly what they needed here, so don't discount it when considering places to do research! The selected journals and newspapers are on the adult level, such as the Washington Post. I also know a college education teacher who uses the Pro/Con section as examples of good "essential questions" for her students. Thanks for your report, Patty. You are signed up for the Basic Challenge, so you do not have to do the Advanced unless you want to.
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