American Government
[ABC-CLIO (805) 968-1911]

         ABC-CLIO has been providing social studies solutions, in digital and print form, for classrooms and research libraries for over 55 years. The company is committed to promoting independent critical thinking, as well as exploration and understanding of complex issues in our world, and is a valuable online resource.
         The American Government website is simple, yet elegant. The Home Page has a top navigation bar that gives access to:  Topics - Foundations of American Government, Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches, Rights and Liberties, Political Behavior, Domestic and Foreign Policy, Political and Economic Systems, and State & Local Government - each topic accompanied by an exhaustive compilation of subtopics; Analyze - sections that offer further research into issues and lasting questions for each topic; Quick Search - a simple text search; Advanced Search - users search by text, category or topic, with filtering options that provide a targeted search result list; and assuming the user has a subscription to any of the other 27 ABC-CLIO databases, there is a Switch Databases link.
         Once the user selects the desired subtopic, a dedicated web page provides a sidebar with links that facilitate exploration, comprehension and analysis: Overview, Activity, Discussion, Articles, Media/Visuals/Maps/Flags, Documents, Facts and Figures.
         Included on the Home Page is a regularly updated Feature Story, which takes an in-depth look at a current or historical issue facing national, state and local governments.
         American Government is recipient of a 2012 EDDIE Award in the High School American Government Website category.

ExploreLearning Gizmos
[ExploreLearning (866) 882-4141]

         We've all heard the saying that 'a picture is worth a thousand words.' Well, so is ExploreLearning Gizmos!
         Simulations are powerful tools for explaining basic concepts and ideas. ExploreLearning Gizmos, using well-designed, interactive online simulations based on inquiry and exploration, promotes conceptual understanding of math and science in grades 3-12. The program is intended to supplement the curriculum, and is correlated to state curriculum standards and the Common Core standards. Topics include Numbers and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Earth and Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Life Science, Physical Science.
        The 450 Gizmos in the learning library offer students the opportunity to interact using virtual manipulatives. For example, in Building Pangaea, the student can drag continents side by side to gain a better understanding of the Continental Drift Theory. The simple interface, along with mouse-over 'tool tips,' make this program ideal for students who are home schooled or have special education needs.
         Each topic has a Lesson Info page (accompanied by printable lesson materials for teacher and student - teacher's guide; learning objectives; assessment questions; vocabulary list), and a Gizmo activity page. Teacher home pages are provided for classroom management.
         ExploreLearning Gizmos is adaptable for small group work, individual exploration, and whole class instruction using an LCD projector or interactive whiteboard. Videos and demo movies explain how features work, and professional development and training are available to teachers, as well as a free 30 day trial.