Using Rainforest Researchers, students become a group of scientist faced with two difficult assignments in the Indonesian Rainforest concerning plant life. The students have to gather clues and explore the diverse, rich ecosystem. Students must address specific scientific questions and large issues as they work through the rainforest. As a simulation, the software is designed as a supplement to curricular units on plant biology, rainforests, ecology, and biodiversity. Students must analyze graphic, textual, and numerical information. They must also interpret visual information, make hypotheses, weigh alternatives, make decisions, draw conclusions, identify cause and effect relationships, listen and communicate with others, appreciate problem solving, share obligations, and collaborate with members of a group. There are four roles that the students can play. If they chose to be an "ecologist," they study how plants and animals interact within the environment. If they elect to be a "plant chemist," they determine why plants have certain colors and a distinctive scent. As an "ethno botanist," they can advise on the use of plants for food and medicine, and as a "taxonomist," they explore the physical differences among plants.

 CONTENT CLARITY:

No inaccuracies were noted through many hours of use. This program is appropriate for grade 5 and higher. The students are confronted with many new situations in the rainforest and have to work together to solve problems. The program asks students to log in their team names. After all names of students have been logged, the computer chooses the next team to play automatically. I liked this feature, since the students would not have to use "dice" or a "spinner" to decide which team is to move next.

 TECHNICAL QUALITY:

This program is easy to use. I would recommend that the teacher assist students on setting up the software. Determination of team names and job descriptions must be decided and logged into the computer. I would have the teacher complete the log in. The computer keeps track of all information and prompts the next team to continue. The graphics and music are constructed to look and feel as if you are in a rainforest. Each screen is artfully decorated, while each round of playing is systemized to keep the students alert and on track.

 USE OF TECHNOLOGY:

This software makes excellent use of the computer. Its goal is to create a cooperative learning environment among students. Students develop important social and leadership skills that will enable them to become members of an interdependent team, discover the value of delegating responsibility, learn how to work with others, and enhance their ability to communicate both information and opinions. Using one computer for an entire class keeps all teams on the same step at the same time.

 ROLE OF STUDENTS:

Students work together in teams of four, with each team member playing the role of a different scientific expert, which are ecologist, ethnobotanist, plant chemist, and taxonomist. Critical thinking and problem solving are crucial to the teams’ effort in solving the proposed situation.

 ROLE OF TEACHER:

The teacher can set up and help students enter the names of teams of players into the program. The teacher needs to review the workbooks to understand how to distribute the four different workbooks to each team. Workbooks and worksheets are to be used record students work. The teacher is able to observe each group and monitor each group’s progression. By reviewing the completed worksheets, the teacher can evaluate the students' understanding of content, reasoning ability, and cooperative learning.

 CLASSROOM USAGE:

This program fits easily into the classroom environment. The software steps are divided into seven turns. On any one turn, teams can go in any order, but all teams must complete the turn before the class can move ahead to the next turn. Up to eight teams can go through the program at the same time. The computer should be placed so that it is accessible by all teams on a rotating basis. Individual teams will come to the computer to enter their choices and get new information, then they will return to their desks to read their expert books, share information, and make their next decision.

 CRITICAL SUMMARY:

I thoroughly enjoyed using this software. I liked the way it uses the entire class and motivates students to interact with one another. The graphics and sound effects were superb. The idea of viewing a jet plane arriving in Indonesia at the beginning of the software is ingenious and made looking at the program realistic. I eagerly anticipate using this program in my classroom.

 OVERALL RATING: 10 out of 10

 EXPLANATION OF RATING:

I found this program to be extremely motivating and very well suited for fifth to eighth graders. The progression of the events in the simulation is well sequenced and sure to keep the watchful eye of the student. I was entirely entertained and learned some valuable information concerning the rainforest in Indonesia. Tom Snyder Productions has done an excellent job with this software program!

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