ED 601 Class Project (v. 4/15/97)

Reviewed by Monica Hartman

The Voyages of the Mimi Sunburst Communications

The Voyages of the Mimi are electronic learning environments that combine video tapes, video laser discs, or cd roms, computer software and print materials to teach integrated concepts in science, mathematics, social studies, and language arts. The Voyages of the Mimi brings into the classroom several fascinating but otherwise inaccessible parts of the real world. The program was designed by the Bank Street College of Education with funding from the U.S. Department of Education. The characters represent both genders as well as several ethnic groups. Its audience is upper elementary and middle school students. With the advent of the internet, the program can now include collaborative internet activities on the World Wide Web.

Learning Goals

• Students will learn a variety of math and science concepts in an interdisciplinary approach.

• Through the use of modeling from the videos, students will learn the importance of asking good questions.

• Students will learn the benefits of collaboration.

• Students will learn the nature of science. Science is an on-going process of discovery, not a just completed history of facts to be memorized. Science is asking questions, and not always having the answer.

• Students will be able to see culturally and ethnically diverse scientists as they study in their fields.

• Students will see how mathematics is connected to other subjects and to the world outside of the classroom.

The First Voyage | The Second Voyage | Standards and Reform

Implementation | Research and Development | Critique | References

Send comments to mlhartma@umich.edu

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