Software Evaluation
General
Information
Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness
General Applications Software
Content
Documentation
Summary
of Lesson Plan
Title: Everything Weather
Publisher: Sunburst and The Weather Channel
Cost: Single or ten computers $99.95, school pack of 80 $699.95, network $699.95
Hardware Requirements: Macintosh/Windows- 8 MB RAM minimum, however 16 MB RAM is recommended for both.
Content Area: Science (weather)
Intended Audience: Grades 4 through 8
Software Category: General Applications Software
Description of Software Package: This software allows students to investigate weather phenomenoms through a number of different activities. There are descriptions of each natural event for students to read through. Along with the descriptions is a glossary (words that could potentially confuse students are already linked to go to the glossary). There are photographs of some of the largest storms in the 20th century as well as videos of these storms. There are also interactive maps that students can explore to see what the storms look like (satellite) as well as find averages, highs and lows for regions around the world.
Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness
Content: This software is a General Applications software with content about thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes and blizzards. The software has fascinating cross-curricular research tools from The Weather Channel. It also presents a complete exploration of nature's forces. Students can view exciting video clips and vivid photographs, access different interactive weather maps and text articles (with hypertext links), and make use of the glossary.
Appropriateness: This is a very appropriate piece of software. There are no unacceptable words, photos, videos or information. There is also no biases or stereotypes.
Purpose of Graphics: The purpose of the graphics are to inform the student on the weather phenomenon they are researching. There are useful icons, photographs, video clips and maps.
Instructional Objectives: The instructional objectives of this software would be to inform the student on storms. The student will observe and examine tornadoes, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and other powerful weather phenomena
Prerequisite Skills of both Teachers and Students: There would be no necessary prerequisite for this software. It is designed so that someone with no knowledge could use the software and begin building a base or someone with much knowledge could use the program to find specific natural storms, photos, videos or other important information.
Content Areas that might use this Software: Science and Geography
Ease-of-Use: The program is very easy to use. The main page is broken up into the storms, pictures and videos, weather information (from your city to around the globe) and a help section. Each subsection is also broken down into categories much the same, making use of the program quite easy and straight forward. Every section is also designed the same, becoming familiar with one section means you are familiar with all sections.
Direction Clarity: There are no specific directions given. However, you can "click" on the computer icon and you will be given (verbally- need sound on computer) directions as to what each icon does and how to use them. You can click on this icon as many times as needed.
Manual Dexterity required: You must be able to operate a mouse to use this software. The arrow/enter keys do not function.
Accuracy and Timeliness of the Content: The content on this software is accurate. The information dates back to when people were first able to track thunderstorms, tornados, hurricanes and blizzard through present. The information on each type of storm is current and relevant to the topic. All graphics and videos are very easy to see and understand.
Racial/Gender Stereotypes: There are no racial or gender stereotypes.
Bias: There are no biases.
Installation Directions: The installation directions pop-up on the screen when you load the CD into the drive. Installation is quite easy and the directions are very clear.
Teacher Guide: It is very detailed and provides was to use the software across many areas of curriculum. The guide includes instructional classroom lesson plans, self-guided discovery activities and collaborative projects for students, and "Be Prepared" safety sheets for severe weather emergencies.
Value: This is an excellent piece of software to use when learning about storms. The content is easy enough for a fourth grade student to use but informative enough for adults to use as well. The information in the software is abundant and very informative. Overall, I would say the value of the software is very good.
Built in Electronic Help within the Application: To receive help when using this software, click on the computer icon and it will give directions as to which icon does what and how to use it.
Provisions for Special Populations: There are no provisions for special populations.
In this lesson, students will understand what a tornado is, where tornados are most often produced and the type of damage they cause. Students will also learn how to look for tornados and what to do (safety wise) if they should happen to spot one. Students will learn through short lectures, worksheets and by using the Everything Weather software. At the end of the lesson, students will write a short paper on one tornado of their choice (chosen from the Everything Weather software), implementing the knowledge they have gained in the lesson.Worksheet for students to use when beginning to research tornados on Everything Weather.
For more information on this product contact Sunburst or The Weather Channel
Last Updated 07.12.04
Questions? Contact batessl@uwec.edu
| Software Component | Web Component | Final Lesson Plan |
| Main Page | Project #1 | Project #2 |
