Save the Estuary Online Game
Hi! It’s Tuesday, October 27, 2009 and time for Science at ClickSchooling!
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A Note From Diane…
I’m so excited! The brand new, second edition of my book, “Carschooling: Over 350 Entertaining Games and Activities To Turn Travel Time Into Learning Time” is now available!
Get YOUR copy and enjoy activities like Windshield Entomology, Road-Cut Geology, 18-Wheeler Chemistry, Drive-By History, Billboard Grammar, Car Seat Calisthenics, and more!
You can order through Amazon.com or get an autographed copy that includes my 51-page “Quick Start Guide to Carschooling” eBook at http://www.Carschooling.com.
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CLICKSCHOOLING REVIEW
Recommended Website:
NOAA: Waterlife http://games.noaa.gov/oscar/
Age Range: 9 and up (approximately, younger children may enjoy aspects of the game with adult assistance)
ClickScholar Cie recommended this website, sponsored by The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), that offers what NOAA refers to as a “serious” arcade-type game to learn the factors that produce healthy estuaries, food webs, and why estuaries are essential to all life on earth.
The game is based upon an ecosystem of a United States west coast estuary and follows an animated human girl as she encounters a talking sea otter. Together they visit an “oracle” (a wise old turtle) who introduces them to a geoduck clam.
The characters embark on a journey that raises student awareness and interest in estuaries, water quality, tides, endangered and threatened species, pollution and marine debris, and what students can do to help.
The characters face challenges along the way, and by using the game’s “Field Guide” they get in-depth information that helps them heal the estuary and return home safely.
There is lots of good content here delivered through downloadable pdfs, activities, and quizzes. I found the game to be a bit slow-moving and I didn’t spot any “obvious” way to fast forward. That may be intentional by the designers who want students to take the time to learn the various concepts and information offered.
THE BEST PART, in my opinion, are the additional learning opportunities beyond the game at this site. Use the menu that includes:
- For Kids – Click on links to maps where you can find real estuaries to visit, or take a virtual field trip to an estuary.
- Careers – Meet the scientists, researchers, and ecologists who work to help us all better understand and preserve marine estuaries.
- What We Do – Watch video clips that bring the game to life, as you watch real people working and visiting estuaries.
When you’re through playing “Where Rivers Meet the Sea” check out NOAA’s portal to arcade games and interactive activities focused on ocean and air themes. You’ll find all of their online games here: http://games.noaa.gov/welcome.html
Copyright 2009, Diane Flynn Keith, All Rights Reserved. Publication or distribution in any medium (including blogs, newsletters, ezines, websites, or email lists) is strictly prohibited without prior written permission.
