In researching the available resources for fifth graders it has become apparent that many of the tools available are either outdated, underfunded or self-created. Very few of the sites which I was able to find were easy to navigate. It would be fair to call many of them “ugly”.
Though their aesthetics would sometimes distract from good information or good resources, they were often indicative of a generel lack of concern for accuracy, ease-of-use or quality. Many pages contains grievous grammatical errors while others contained information which has since been rendered obsolete.
The need for educational sites which are simple to navigate, easy to understand and which don’t require long passages of reading is apparent. Many of the sites were cluttered up with text advertising which I found both pointless and inappropriate. Very few kids will understand what those advertisements are (especially when set within the body of a long article) and they may accidentally click on an advertisement thinking it is part of the website.
The site which was most accurate (NASA) was too business-like and a bit formal. It was intimidating to read, even for me. I think a lot of fifth graders would be turned off by it’s small, stiff type and cold, hard lines.
kidsastronomy.com
apples4theteacher.com
nasa.gov
