Description
Gr 5-8–Animated characters Kevin, a fifth grader, Tara the Globe, and Marko the Pencil prepare students for standardized tests in Earth science. Among the topics covered are the solar system, weather, the water cycle, geology, the properties of minerals, volcanoes, plate tectonics, weathering, topography, erosion, energy resources and conservation. Topics correlate to National Science Education Standards. Each five-minute animated lesson helps Kevin learn about important Earth science topics. For example, Tara and Marko help the boy remember the order of the planets: “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos.” A song teaches Kevin about the water cycle, and a “rock concert” is performed by animated rocks. Humor is injected throughout to make learning fun. An interactive quiz on each topic concludes the program. On occasion, it is a bit difficult to understand Tara and Marko. The characters and animated visuals will appeal more to students in the lower grades.
