Expert Space

Software Title and Publisher (provide vendor information, URL link) Expert Space from Scholastic

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/digital_curriculum/expertspace/index.htm 

Price: individual or volume licensing information There is a free trial available for download.  There was no price listed for the software but there was information to obtain the program through Title 1, IDEA and Enhancing Education Through Technology

Note the type of software. Simulation

Note the target content area. Science and Social Studies grade 4-12

Note any learning standards alignment. The standards are aligned and included in the lessons.

What kind of documentation or online help (tutorial) is available? How user friendly is the software for the target audience?

Note computer requirements and the Operating System compatibility.

Recommended for PC

Processor: Pentium II with 128 MB of RAM;

OS: Windows® 2000 or Windows XP operating system;

Browsers: Internet Explorer 6.0 and higher or Firefox® 2.0 and higher;

Monitor: 15-inch minimum; 1024 x 768 resolution set at for best viewing;high 16-bit colors or higher.

Recommended for Macintosh®:

Computer: PowerMac or higher;

OS: 9.x, 10.x, or better;

Browser: Safari® 3.0 or higher, or Firefox 2.0 or higher;

Monitor: 15-inch minimum; 1024 x 768 resolution with thousands of colors selected.

Look for additional available resources that might supplement the software. Does it come packaged with lesson ideas? Are online resources available? The software does come packaged with lesson ideas that are aligned with state standards.  Online resources are available for teachers.  The software is also designed to accommodate the different reading levels of the students.

Share an idea or two about how you might use the software in your classroom. How might you integrate the software application? This program would be great to integrate into the classroom because there are so many different ways to use it.  The software could be used during a unit on space.  It also helps students plan, manage, and complete projects and assignments.