Mayan Mysteries
[Dig-It Games (877) 213-4448]
   
       Mayan Mysteries is a wonderful example of how effective thematic learning can be.  Presented as an interactive game, the principal theme is the Mayan culture.  In the game activities, which teach reading comprehension, geographical knowledge, spatial reasoning, as well as science and math skills, students learn about the Mayan calendar, number system, governmental system, farming practices and daily life. The games are varied and engaging, and the mystery of the title refers to the search for a notorious artifact looter, headed by a detective and his young niece and nephew.
        Mayan Mysteries, winner of the 2013 BESSIE Award for Language Arts Website/Middle School, was designed by archeologist Suzi Wilczynski to promote an interest in her discipline - and there is a healthy dose of relevant information about archeology - but the skill most effectively exercised is reading comprehension. And reading comprehension is the gateway skill for all other disciplines.
        Whether using the classroom multi-user version or the single user version at home, Mayan Mysteries will captivate your Grades 5 through 9 students. It meets Common Core Standards for Language Arts and Math, as well as 8th Grade Social Studies Curriculum Standards.
       One caveat: We all know, by now, that the world did not end on December 12^th, 2012 - so let's edit that mention out, shall we?




Financial Literacy
[Rosen Digital (877) 381-6649]

       How many teens learn to open a bank account, write a check, and understand how interest works - before they graduate from high school?  Not many.  But Rosen Digital has come up with an ideal solution with its comprehensive website, Financial Literacy.
       Written expressly for grades 7 through 12, Financial Literacy covers everything from Personal Finance to Global Economics. And it meets Common Core standards for English Language Arts, Math and, of course, Economics.
       Financial Literacy's primary topics are Entrepreneurship & Career Skills, Measuring Economic Performance, Money & Financial Institutions, Personal Finance, Role of Government, The Market Economy, and Trade and the Global Economy, with each topic having an extensive menu of its own. Tools and calculators provide hands-on practice for real-world situations (also available as an app), and there are resources for teachers and librarians. The entire website can be translated into more than 50 languages, from Afrikaans to Yiddish.
       Winner in a unique BESSIES category, Multi-Level Financial Literacy Website, Financial Literacy is a curriculum tool that fills a long-neglected gap, and…yes, it has a video explaining how to write a check.  Bravo.