FAX

From	Grove Publishing
	Cathy Duffy
	16172 Huxley Circle
	Westminster, CA 92083
	714-841-1220
	714-841-5584 FAX

To: Maria Chakmakas

Calvert School

410-366-0674

Date: 2/5

Pages: 1

Dear Maria,
Following is my review of Ancient Greece. Thanks for sending it. Cathy Duffy
Cathy Duffy

Ancient Greece

This CD runs on computers with Windows 95 or higher. It is divided into three main sections: study, explore, and activities. "Study" works through brief historical background, presented in six different sections: Geography, Early Civilizations, City-states, Government, Sparta, and Athens. Students should begin here. Comprehension questions follow each section. "Explore" focuses an topical areas: society, war, culture, art, and learning, with subsections within each of these areas. Again, comprehension questions are at the end of each section. Background music, voiceovers, and sound effects are present in some sections. Students can choose from three types of "Activities" in the third section: hands-on projects done away from the computer, writing activities (which can be done on the computer or off as you please), and games (on the computer). Games are fairly simple. A Progress Chart checks off areas that each student has completed.

There were a couple occasions where I encountered questions where the information in the questions had not yet been presented within the section being covered. Otherwise, this is a beautifully done program. Graphics are rich and colorful, and there's lots of variety and interaction The program is suggested for students in grades 4-8, and content is largely accessible to the younger students, although I wouldn't expect them to master all the names and key ideas of the philosophers. Since sports and the Olympics are included, the nudity issue arises. But aside from one fairly discreet picture of athletes, there are no real problems.