The Coastal Explorations: Carolina Coastal Science CD-ROM is an innovative, inquiry-based science resource that utilizes the interactive technologies of a Web browser to explore science in coastal Carolina. Coastal Explorations: Carolina Coastal Science is based on the goals stated in the National Science Education Standards and aligned with the North Carolina Science Curriculum Standards.

While this CD-ROM has been designed specifically for an Environmental Science component of an elementary, middle school, or upper secondary science curriculum, it may be used in different curricular areas. The issues raised in the Shell Island Dilemma and Relocating A Lighthouse have been designed to explore a variety of different concerns in social studies and geography, as well as language and media studies.

This CD-ROM can be used by primary, middle school, and upper secondary students with different levels of ability. Teachers and students can use this CD-ROM independently or as a class using a number of different teaching strategies: open-ended inquiries, guided inquiries, independent research, and cooperative group learning.

There are six main areas on the CD-ROM. These are:

1. Carolina Coastal Photojournal
2. The Shell Island Dilemma
3. Inquiry Images
4. Coastal Research Technology
5. Relocating A Lighthouse
6. Educator's Guide

1. Carolina Coastal Photojournal The Carolina Coastal Photojournal is an inquiry-based photojournal. Students use guided questions to explore the physical characteristics of coastal environments. Each photojournal screen provides some brief background information on a coastal area followed by one to four questions to guide students' exploration of digital photographs, QuickTime Virtual Reality panoramas, and QuickTime movies. Suggested answers to each question in the Carolina Coastal Photojournal can be found in the Educator's Guide.

2. The Shell Island Dilemma The Shell Island Dilemma is an inquiry simulation. Students investigate the issues concerning the fate of the Shell Island Resort and then debate the future of this and other oceanfront structures threatened by coastal erosion. As students engage in the investigation, they identify the social, political, and scientific issues with which different stakeholders must deal. Students place themselves into the role of one of the stakeholders. Questions are used throughout the simulation to focus student's inquiry during their exploration.

3. Inquiry Images In a one computer classroom, you can use the Inquiry Images as a whole class guided inquiry activity. The images can also be used to generate discussion and debates on environmental issues. Some of the questions are open-ended. There are no right or wrong answers.

4. Coastal Research Technology Coastal Research Technology uses text, graphics, and QuickTime movies enable students to learn about scientific technology used on research vessels on the Carolina Coast.

5. Relocating A Lighthouse Relocating A Lighthouse is an inquiry-based exploration. Students investigate the issues concerning the relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. As thy engage in their exploration, they are guided to identify the social, political, and scientific issues different stakeholders must deal with as they explore the resources on the CD-ROM and link to other resources on the World Wide Web.

6. Educator's Guide The Educator's Guide contains specific teaching suggestions for incorporating the Coastal Explorations: Carolina Coastal Science CD-ROM into: Primary School science curricula (K-5); Middle School science curricula (6-8); and Upper Secondary School science curricula (9-12). The Educator's Guide also contains curricula integration that has been aligned with the National Science Education Standards and North Carolina Science Curriculum Standards.

ISBN Number: 1-929639-00-7

System Requirements:

Macintosh:
Mac OS version 7.0 or later
Web browser software (Netscape version 4.05 supplied)
QuickTime 3.0 (supplied)

Windows:
Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 or later
486 DX 100 Mhz or faster computer
Web browser software (Netscape version 4.05 supplied)
QuickTime 3.0 (supplied)
Audio capability