CONTENT:
"NASA Connect is an annual series of free integrated mathematics, science, and technology instructional distance learning programs for students in grades 6-8" that can be viewed right from your desktop computer.
AESTHETICS:
The site features an easy-to-navigate format that has a nice mix of color and graphics. RealPlayer is required for viewing the broadcasts.
ORGANIZATION:
A left-side menu on the main page and a top menu on subsequent pages make the site user-friendly. There is also a helpful site index.
REVIEW:
Students and teachers will find that this site is a natural for teaching and learning critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The NASA Connect programming is available free to any school, and provides lessons in math, science, and technology competencies for grades 5-8. By registering at the site (free) teachers can fully involve their students in the broadcasts. Registrants receive program schedules and lesson guides via e-mail. The programs are transmitted via satellite hookups and PBS stations but are also available on the Web through NASA's Learning Technologies Channel. Accompanying each broadcast is a teacher's guide with hands-on activities and an interactive Internet activity. Additionally, teachers can request a mentor to help students complete the work. All the shows for the past three years are archived in the library, and there is an extensive list of additional resources.