Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Yudt
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively math, science site caters to various learning styles.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
What's It About?
Kids in grades 3-6 who need homework help will find fun activities and useful tutorials on Scholastic's site StudyJams! Four animated characters walk kids through dozens of science and math lessons (or \"Jams\") that include multimedia content such as slideshows, quizzes, and even karaoke. Kids can earn points by reading content and doing activities; once they've earned enough points, they can head over to the Jam Studio to mix and record MP3 tracks using samples of rock, hip-hop, dance, and more. The site also includes an encyclopedia and a guide to state history.
Is It Any Good?
By offering lessons in different forms -- videos, quizzes, and even karaoke! -- StudyJams! accommodates kids with various learning styles and reinforces information. The math lessons are particularly helpful, guiding kids through each step of a problem with a detailed voiceover and virtual blackboard. (Parents who can't remember how to convert decimals to fractions will get an excellent refresher course.)
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it's often better to go to a kid-safe site than to a general browser to find the best age-appropriate, reliable information. What are the benefits of having search engines and sites designed just for kids? What are safe sites to browse? How can you tell which sites you can trust?
Families can also talk about other educational sites that benefit learning and where to find reliable information online.
Website Details
- Subjects : Math : algebra , fractions , multiplication , Science : astronomy , plants
- Genre : Educational
- Pricing structure : Free
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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