Save the Estuary Online Game |
| Reviewed by Diane Flynn Keith |
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| Resource: | Save the Estuary Online Game | ||
| Provider: | NOAA: Waterlife | ||
| Summary: | ClickScholar Cie recommended this website, sponsored by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), that offers what NOAA refers to as a "serious" arcade-type game to learn the factors that produce healthy estuaries, food webs, and why estuaries are essential to all life on earth |
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| Description: | The game is based upon an ecosystem of a United States west coast estuary and follows an animated human girl as she encounters a talking sea otter. Together they visit an "oracle" (a wise old turtle) who introduces them to a geoduck clam. The characters embark on a journey that raises student awareness and interest in estuaries, water quality, tides, endangered and threatened species, pollution and marine debris, and what students can do to help. The characters face challenges along the way, and by using the game's "Field Guide" they get in-depth information that helps them heal the estuary and return home safely. There is lots of good content here delivered through downloadable pdfs, activities, and quizzes. I found the game to be a bit slow-moving and I didn't spot any "obvious" way to fast forward. That may be intentional by the designers who want students to take the time to learn the various concepts and information offered. THE BEST PART, in my opinion, are the additional learning opportunities beyond the game at this site. Use the menu that includes: *For Kids - Click on links to maps where you can find real estuaries to visit, or take a virtual field trip to an estuary. *Careers - Meet the scientists, researchers, and ecologists who work to help us all better understand and preserve marine estuaries. *What We Do - Watch video clips that bring the game to life, as you watch real people working and visiting estuaries. When you're through playing "Where Rivers Meet the Sea" check out NOAA's portal to arcade games and interactive activities focused on ocean and air themes. You'll find all of their online games here: http://games.noaa.gov/welcome.html |
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| Contributed by: | Diane Flynn Keith, ©Copyright 2012, All Rights Reserved. Diane Flynn Keith publishes the rave-reviewed ClickSchooling® daily ezine with 12,000+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your homeschooling, save time and money, and have more fun learning with your children, get your FREE subscription to ClickSchooling® now at http://www.homefires.com/free.asp. | ||
| C A T E G O R I E S | |||
| Orientation: | General | ||
| Subjects: | Science, Oceanography, Educational Games | ||
| Teaching Methods: | Online Interactive | ||
| I N T E N D E D F O R: | |||
| Ages: | 6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 | ||
| Grades: | 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 | ||
| F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N | |||
| Web Site: | http://games.noaa.gov/oscar/ | ||
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