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Jefferson Lab Student Zone (http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/index.php)

common sense media says

Science-focused educational site offers cool homework help.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this educational Web site, developed by an advanced government physics lab, provides in-depth science and mathematics lessons and games aimed at high school students and older. They cover electricity, magnetism and other topics, but the main focus is chemistry, including the periodic table, chemical equations, and the basic structure of atoms. The explanations are clear and simple, and the interactive features will help students understand some tough concepts. Still, the activities are not as fun as other gaming and entertainment Web sites; think of this as a cool homework aid rather than a destination site for recreation.

Educational value: The site explains a variety of scientific concepts in easy-to-follow language and uses interactive games to reinforce the lessons. The entire point of the site is to help people understand chemistry, electricity, the structure of an atom, and more.
Positive messages: Chemistry doesn’t have to be intimidating, and learning about atoms and other scientific concepts can be interesting and fun.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: The site is organized by the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility, an advanced physics lab and particle accelerator affiliated by the Department of Energy. The lab is mentioned often, and some parts of the site promote its science programs for high school students.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Privacy & safety: Not applicable.
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More on Jefferson Lab Student Zone

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

  • How do you incorporate the Internet into education? Do you think Web sites and games can help students learn? Are some sites and games better than others? Can you think of any Web sites that should be off-limits during homework time?

  • Discuss the difference between using computers to play and using them to study. Technology has much to offer students and teachers, but it can also be a big distraction. Can you think of ways that computers can help you learn? What about ways that computers can distract you from an important task?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

The JEFFERSON LAB STUDENT ZONE is great as a research tool or study aid; the interactive features can help students learn about some very complex subjects, including balancing equations and the behavior of subatomic particles. The site also explains what happens at Jefferson Lab, a government-backed research institute, and makes the idea of becoming a scientist seem cool and exciting. However, some of the features are aimed more at the intermediate student than beginners; some of the games provide the correct answers but don’t always explain why these are the correct answers. Kids looking for help with their chemistry homework will find this site ideal, but few people are likely to visit just to play the games.

This review was written by Will Wade
 
 

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candyface234
parent of 18 year old
17
 
wonderful
love it. just because.
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DMC ReapER
adult
15
 
perfect
love it!!!
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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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