| It’s Thursday, and time for our Homeschool Resource: Social Sciences. I would like to ask you to check out the Recommended Websites: Global Social Sciences Games and World Geography Games. Global Social Sciences Games  Age Range: 11-18 (Grades 6-12 approximately, with parental preview and supervision) This website offers an assortment of free, interactive, educational games to inform youth about global social and political issues and methods for implementing “a more inclusive, peaceful and sustainable world.” The games require good reading and comprehension skills. The global issues touched upon in the games include: education, environment, globalization, health, human rights, peace and conflict, and more. TakingITGlobal was started by two teenagers in 1999 and now receives funding and support from a variety of foundations and companies including Microsoft, the Staples Foundation, and the UN Foundation among others. We mention this because it’s relevant to understanding the philosophical and political point of view behind the activities and games offered at the site. Parents should preview the site to determine suitability of content. That said, when you get to the site you’ll find a selection of games. Here are the descriptions from the website: Butt Out: Tobacco Trivia – Test your knowledge about tobacco while playing our Tobacco Card Game!Geography Genius: Flags of the World – Learn more about the world as you guess countries based on flags, shapes, and statistics!GRUB: Food Bytes – Do you hunger for information about food choices and food systems? Use your noodle to match the cards and answer trivia questions, and watch your score mushroom!Orange Revolution – The Orange Revolution grabbed the world’s headlines in late 2004 and early 2005 as the results of the Ukrainian presidential election were contested by the leading candidates. Can you maintain order and peace, or will your decisions cause thousands of protestors to revolt?Ayiti: The Cost of Life – A role-playing video game in which the player assumes the roles of family members living in rural Haiti. Over the course of the game, the player must choose among and balance various goals, such as achieving education, making money, staying healthy, and maintaining happiness while encountering unexpected events.And so many more!When you’re through playing the games, use the menu to explore this expansive site. The mission of TIG is to help youth worldwide become informed, inspired, and involved. Again, some of the games contain controversial subject matter, therefore, parents (as always) should preview the games and supervise Internet access. |
Recommended Website: World Geography Games Age Range: 8-18 (Grades 3-12 with parental supervision) Add some fun to your world geography studies with the help of this website. When you get to the site, choose from: World Games Africa Games Americas Games Asia Games Australia & Oceania Games Europe Games Using colorful maps, students are asked to identify countries, states, cities, and more by clicking on the appropriate location or answer. Points are earned with each correct answer and it keeps track of how many tries it took to find the right place. There is a “give up?” option which, when selected, fills in all of the information on the map. If your student is new to the subject, we suggest selecting that option at the beginning to use as a study tool before playing the game. When the student thinks that they are ready, they can select the “play again” option. Game topics include: Countries Capitals Flags And more This site provides excellent geography practice and is simple to navigate and play the games. Enjoy! |
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
