New Reviews: Nystrom’s StrataLogica Resource

Social Studies School Service |Nystrom’s StrataLogica resource is a supplemental, web-based map and atlas program that includes print materials. Resources support core social studies instruction across grades K-12. Learning List recently reviewed StrataLogica’s Early Learning and Readiness Package for grades K-3. The program introduces students to the world using maps and atlases that focus on land, water, continents, oceans, countries, and states. Resources are for use with computers, LCD projectors, and interactive whiteboards.

StrataLogica maps are interactive and may be displayed in 2D or 3D formats. Map tools allow users to zoom in and out, pan, and rotate and tilt the image in 3D view. Users may search for specific locations (e.g., Austin, Texas), measure distances, and draw, label, and add symbols and text to maps. A dual map viewer tool allows users to compare different types of maps for the same location (e.g., physical and political maps). Maps are customizable and include premade, editable presentations and projects linked to current events (e.g., Piracy Today), history (e.g., Journey of the Pilgrims), geography skills (e.g., latitude and longitude), and student interests (e.g., Monsters—Real or Hoax?). Maps include “Placemark Pop-ups” with text, videos, and images pinned to specific locations. For example, a presentation about how t-shirts are manufactured includes a placemark pinned to Lubbock, Texas, that displays a short YouTube video about the cotton industry there. Teachers may create their own Pop-Ups with text and uploaded videos and images. Pop-ups may be turned on or off.

Atlases and charts are accompanied by activities with lesson plans that provide step-by-step guidance for instruction, discussion questions, and links to other subject areas and related children’s literature. Lessons include hands-on activities and downloadable activity sheets (i.e., PDFs). Atlases for grades 1-3 are available in print and eBook formats and have age-appropriate informational text, vivid illustrations and photographs, glossaries, and abbreviation keys (e.g., TX, St., S). Outline maps are customizable and may be downloaded as PDFs for classroom use.