October 2001 — Software/Courseware

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Focus on Social Studies

By Matthew Miller, Managing Editor

Social studies is a broad topic, encompassing several subjects, including history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography and anthropology. It can also be one of the most visual learning experiences for students with the help of today's tools and software. Instructors no longer have to rely on outdated textbooks and wall maps to educate students about an area that is rich with sounds and images, when it can be brought to life via computers. With today's new software titles, students can travel from state to state, explore cultures and societies around the world, and relive the times of our forefathers without leaving the classroom. This month's Focus On highlights some of the current social studies solutions that cater to different educational levels and skills.

Social studies is a broad topic, encompassing several subjects, including history, government, economics, civics, sociology, geography and anthropology. It can also be one of the most visual learning experiences for students with the help of today's tools and software. Instructors no longer have to rely on outdated textbooks and wall maps to educate students about an area that is rich with sounds and images, when it can be brought to life via computers. With today's new software titles, students can travel from state to state, explore cultures and societies around the world, and relive the times of our forefathers without leaving the classroom. This month's Focus On highlights some of the current social studies solutions that cater to different educational levels and skills.

Teaching social studies utilizing interactive games, animations, videos and cutting-edge technology can be both fun and educational for students. Tool Factory Inc. runs the gamut when it comes to social studies solutions. In an innovative mapping program, Map Detectives, students play a detective trying to track down the thief of Lady Hartley's manor. Using geography and mapping skills, students have to solve a series of crimes in two interactive mystery games. Intended for second- through eighth-graders, the program sharpens a student's ability to use map symbols, grid references, distance and scale as they search for the stolen objects and collect clues. The CD-ROM uses humorous photos, lively animations, maps and sounds to engage students as they navigate through intelligent, ever-changing plots. In addition, Map Detectives offers a facility to monitor students' progress and print activities for the classroom.

Also from Tool Factory comes the two-disc set Disappearing World, which is available for the PC and networkable. The interactive CD-ROMs allow grades seven and up to become anthropologists by introducing them to eight societies in far corners of the world - from Basques, highland herders from the French/Spanish border, to Trobriand Islanders, yam farmers from the Western Pacific. Users can explore different aspects of these societies, including making a living; men and women; wealth; knowledge and power; and religion and belief. The program's rich collection of images, videos and commentary are an invaluable resource for social studies curricula, and will help inspire students to investigate these foreign cultures. The second CD-ROM also offers printable materials that lead students through case studies, comparisons and data collection.