As a science "nut," I was thrilled to be able to examine Digital Frog International's field trip series DVD. **I have not been compensated in any way by Digital Frog International or TOS. The opinions expressed below are solely mine.**When I received this DVD, I was unfamiliar with the company itself. From the name listed I assumed the DVD I would be viewing would be a virtual frog dissection. Digital Frog International does have a virtual frog dissection, but they are about much more than this.
What exactly is Digital Frog International?
(from the Digital Frog International website: http://www.digitalfrog.com/products/index.html
We are an innovative, enthusiastic, software company, dedicated to creating high-quality educational, multimedia CD-ROMs with an ecological focus. Our corporate headquarters is a converted barn surrounded by frogs, dogs and bogs in rural Ontario, Canada.
Our focus is on biology and ecology. Our goal is to make a difference to the way people view the natural world. Our computer-based learning tools encourage a lifelong interest in, and respect for, the world around us. We believe that people cannot care about a world they do not understand. To this end, our products present accurate, detailed information in an interesting and engaging way.
I received the Digital Field Trip Series. This DVD series is beautifully mastered and delightfully informative. The DVD contains three virtual field trips. Here is a screen shot of the field trip to "The Rainforest." Notice the vibrant colors. The DVD program is interactive and very user-friendly. How many children and parents can actually visit The Rainforest in person? Very few, I would venture to say. This DVD is as close to the actual visit as you could get. The material would be a fabulous add in to a study of geographic regions or a science study of different ecosystems.
"Experience the tropical rainforest of Belize with 28 virtual reality posts from deep in the forest and even up in the canopy. Other topics covered include rainforest types and mechanisms, an interactive dependency web game and a botany primer."
"Experience the tropical rainforest of Belize with 28 virtual reality posts from deep in the forest and even up in the canopy. Other topics covered include rainforest types and mechanisms, an interactive dependency web game and a botany primer."
The Wetlands is another field trip on this DVD. Through this interactive DVD you feel like you are in the field observing an actual wetland. The video is fascinating and the graphics are clear and informative. Children of all ages will enjoy these videos.
"Explore wetland ecology with a virtual field trip to a wetland in southern Ontario. Includes wetland types, bog formation, plus detailed sections on photosynthesis, food chains and webs and nutrient cycles."
Our final destination was the Desert. Again, the video and graphics are absolutely stunning and a wealth of information is presented.
Five deserts of the southwestern U.S.—from the saguaro cacti of the Sonoran to the sand dunes of Death Valley—are brought to life in our biggest field trip ever. Try your hand at building your own desert, learn about landscape formation and in-depth sections on adaptations and homeostasis.
"Explore wetland ecology with a virtual field trip to a wetland in southern Ontario. Includes wetland types, bog formation, plus detailed sections on photosynthesis, food chains and webs and nutrient cycles."
Our final destination was the Desert. Again, the video and graphics are absolutely stunning and a wealth of information is presented.Five deserts of the southwestern U.S.—from the saguaro cacti of the Sonoran to the sand dunes of Death Valley—are brought to life in our biggest field trip ever. Try your hand at building your own desert, learn about landscape formation and in-depth sections on adaptations and homeostasis.
Save more than 20% off individual prices .
The Digital Field Trip Series costs only slightly more than two individual field trips. Lab packs and site licenses, as well as both single educational and home versions, are available from prices as low as $99. See our price list for details.
The Digital Field Trip Series, as well as many other products such as the virtual frog dissection, are available from the Digital Frog International website. http://www.digitalfrog.com/products/digital-field-trip-series-dvd.html
At first glance, the entire series does seem a little pricey; however, there would be no way the average family could actually take field trips to discover, explore, and study these three regions for anywhere near the individual license price.
I have enjoyed learning about Digital Frog's virtual field trips and will be incorporating these into our World Geography studies this year.
To read other reviews about Digital Frog go to: http://homeschoolblogger.com/homeschoolcrew/783186/
Enjoy your trip!
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The Children’s Book Guild is pleased to honor Kathleen Krull with its 34th Nonfiction Award. The Award is presented annually to an author or illustrator whose total body of work has contributed significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children. “Kathleen Krull’s zest for history, politics, music, art and many other subjects shines through her fine writing,” says Mary Quattlebaum, who chaired this year’s Nonfiction Award Committee. “Krull not only informs but excites her young readers—and helps spark their curiosity to learn more.
MEET ME AT THE CORNER(www.meetmeatthecorner.org) is a series of educational video podcasts for kids ages 6-12. New episodes are uploaded every two weeks, with a Learning Corner of questions and extended activities, a list of recommended books and links to fun websites about each topic.
Check out the video interview with children's author Kathleen Krull on MEET ME AT THE CORNER, Virtual Field Trips for Kids . She talks about her series GIANTS OF SCIENCE and how she goes about researching and writing her biographies for children.
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