 | ON: Content is age-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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
United Nations Cyberschoolbus
Common Sense Media says
Award-winning resource tackles tough subjects.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this site discusses topics that younger kids might not be ready for such as genocide, torture, human rights violations, and AIDS. Parents should also be aware that it links directly to the UN's official news site, which may include images and content that could disturb younger or more sensitive kids.
What kids can learn
While United Nations Cyberschoolbus was created with educational intent, it appears to have limited learning potential.
Kids can learn about global topics like poverty, hunger, and discrimination. They have access to UN data, can learn about model UN, or play a few games, or read information in the themed units for classroom teachers. Unfortunately it’s been awhile since the site has gotten some attention; there are broken features, dead links, and out of date projects. Despite the need for serious updating, a good teacher may find the themed units and activity suggestions useful.
Subjects
- Language & Reading
- Math
- Science
- Social Studiescitizenship, global awareness, government
- Arts
- Hobbies
What's it about?
Jump aboard the CYBERSCHOOLBUS -- the online component of the United Nations Department of Public Information and the Global Teaching and Learning Project -- to learn about important international issues such as peace, world hunger, and racial discrimination. The Cyberschoolbus encourages kids to create solutions to global problems through projects such as a tree-planting campaign, and the forums are where kids from around the world can discuss things and collaborate on projects (teachers register their participants). Video clips and links to the UN's official news site offer further education on world issues.
Is it any good?
The information is extensive, and because it addresses topics that younger kids might not be ready to handle (such as genocide and human rights violations), teachers and parents will want to go through it to create customized learning plans. Interactive learning tools -- such as a quiz on international flags and a section that lets kids plug in country names to see how, for example, Sweden's economy differs from Bulgaria's -- are fun for kids of all ages.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about ways to get involved in international issues, and how a problem on the other side of the world has the potential to affect all of humankind. For instance, can you think of a way to get your school or community involved in helping to bring clean water to villages that need it?
Why is it important to take an interest and get involved in international issues?
What kids can learn
While United Nations Cyberschoolbus was created with educational intent, it appears to have limited learning potential.
Kids can learn about global topics like poverty, hunger, and discrimination. They have access to UN data, can learn about model UN, or play a few games, or read information in the themed units for classroom teachers. Unfortunately it’s been awhile since the site has gotten some attention; there are broken features, dead links, and out of date projects. Despite the need for serious updating, a good teacher may find the themed units and activity suggestions useful.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math:
- Science:
- Social Studies: citizenship, global awareness, government
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
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| Genre: | Educational |
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