WISE Features: An Overview

WISE provides a framework for building science curricula that combine existing Web resources with teacher guidance. WISE software has been designed to make classroom use of the Web the exciting learning experience it should be.

Rather than sending students out to flounder in a vast sea of Internet data, WISE projects suggest steps for inquiry, open windows to engaging and informative Web sites, and provide activities that probe students' thoughts and encourage them to make connections in their learning.

What makes WISE software special?

• WISE's interactive activities encourage analytical thinking and reflection.

• WISE puts Web resources at students' disposal while focusing and directing their inquiry.

• Special pop-up windows let students seek guidance and take notes while viewing and evaluating WISE evidence.

• WISE's visualization and modeling tools let students organize evidence to support or refute theories, visualize relationships among variables, and analyze data.

• WISE stores student work, so students can revisit and edit their work, and teachers can evaluate their work and provide feedback, all on-line.

• WISE's open-ended design allows teachers to customize projects to fit their curriculum and to design new activities.