I evaluated a software package from Tom Snyder Productions called "Science Court: Water Cycle". The targeted audiences for this program are fourth and fifth grade science students and teachers. "Science Court" provides a simulation of a court case involving a leaky pipe. Students are required to work together to examine evidence, set up an experiment, and form conclusions about the presence of water in the air. The program provides opportunities for predicting and answering questions by students throughout the simulation and classroom experiment. Teachers could use this software to introduce the water cycle and to guide students through the related experiment. A teacher can also use the computer-generated questions asked at the end of each session to assess students' understanding and to steer a class discussion. The software uses appropriate vocabulary and sequencing for students. Additionally, the screen directions are easy to follow and the program provides proper reinforcement.
I would definitely recommend this software to other teachers because of its many strengths. First, the program runs smoothly without errors. It is easy to understand and ties in directly with the supplemental handouts (included for the teacher to copy and use) and the classroom experiment. The program encourages groupwork and allows the groups to control the screen in order to meet their learning pace. Additionally, students can review any part of the simulation or questions easily if needed. The program is filled with motivating and inviting cartoon-style characters that will likely capture the students' attention. The voices are funny, but are clear and set a purpose for the experiment.
I only noted a few weaknesses when evaluating this software. First, it is difficult to advance the screen when it is set to run on classroom size. The ability to advance the screen is not required, but would be helpful to demonstrate with children or to "fast-forward" to a particular part. Also, students would not be able to use this software effectively by themselves. Although the directions are clear, this package would work best if presented in conjunction with regular classroom instruction. A teacher is needed to guide the experiment, and class discussion would allow students to get the best learning experiences.