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Ancient Greece [computer CD program]

Publisher: Calvert School
Review last updated: 2009
Instant KeyPublishers InfoPricing

Ancient Greece [computer CD program]

This CD runs on computers with Windows 95 or higher but will not run on Macintosh or Windows 2000 or XP. It is divided into three main sections: study, explore, and activities. "Study" works through brief historical background, presented in six different sections: Geography, Early Civilizations, City-states, Government, Sparta, and Athens. Students should begin here. Comprehension questions follow each section. "Explore" focuses on topical areas: society, war, culture, art, and learning, with subsections within each of these areas. Again, comprehension questions are at the end of each section. Background music, voiceovers, and sound effects are present in some sections. Students can choose from three types of "Activities" in the third section: hands-on projects done away from the computer, writing activities (which can be done on the computer or off as you please), and games (on the computer). Games are fairly simple. A progress chart checks off areas each student has completed.

There were a couple occasions where I encountered questions where the information in the questions had not yet been presented within the section being covered. Otherwise, this is a beautifully done program. Graphics are rich and colorful, and there's lots of variety and interaction. The program is suggested for students in grades 4-8, and content is largely accessible to younger students, although I wouldn't expect them to master all the names and key ideas of the philosophers. Since sports and the Olympics are included, the nudity issue arises. But aside from one fairly discreet picture of athletes, there are no real problems.

Pricing

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        • Instant Key

          • Suitable for: independent learning
            Audience: grades 4-8
            Need for parent/teacher instruction: minimal
            Prep time needed: 0
            Teacher's manual: N/A
            Religious perspective:  secular

          Publisher's Info

          • Calvert School

            888-487-4652
            www.calvertschool.org