Britannica LaunchPacks Science Review
Every teacher spends a disproportionate amount of time looking for pertinent and appealing content for their class. When you eventually do find something suitable, differentiating and personalizing the content is a huge undertaking. What we need is someone to do it for us and create a dependable, curriculum-aligned and interactive digital tool that is compelling, accessible and diverse.
The good news is that someone has with Britannica LaunchPacks Science.
Britannica has produced creative content sets called LaunchPacks that are chock-full of varied resources and ready to use in the classroom. There are all sorts here, including articles, videos and images.
They are all housed in a sophisticated website which is neat and easy to use and the different resources can be saved, shared and customized.
Trustworthy, relevant and rich article content is everything, and Britannica delivers this by the bucketload, searchable by age level or category. The packs are up-to-date, age appropriate and reliably researched. Pupils can actively engage with the text and develop their critical thinking and reading skills because the articles are pitched at three reading levels.
Text sizes can be easily altered and there is a listen aloud and built-in dictionary feature too. Useful notes are included, featuring directions from
the editor, important facts and summaries.
Open up an article within a LaunchPack and you can make use of the annotation tools which include the facility to add and highlight comments, questions, vocabulary, evidence, summaries and connections.
These handy tools support comprehension, help make links and improve focus. Articles can also be translated into over 80 languages, perfect for EAL.
Content can also be tailored so you can upload your own resources, assignments, learning tools and add external website links. This enables you to knit and weave further content into a pack so you can give your lessons that added twist, spin or personal edge that connects and engages. Britannica makes this easy to do with an intuitive, flexible platform that is professional and classy.
When you see a pack that you like and fits in with your topic, you can schedule it into your own calendar by dragging and dropping it into the day you need it. The system reminds you as the day approaches too.
If you want to jump-start learning then Britannica’s LaunchPacks are staunch and resourceful digital allies with active engagement tools to boost the learning experience. At $999 for the whole school, this is great value.
Britannica LaunchPacks Science is now on sale, through November 1, for $999. Call 800.621.3900 or visit shop.eb.com for more pricing information.
At a glance
• A ready-made collection of expertly compiled content sets for science
• Over 1,700 learning packs available featuring images, videos, articles and primary sources
• Differentiate reading at three levels of accessibility
• Customise any of the LaunchPacks to suit your own requirements
Verdict
• Clean, crisp, inviting and accessible website
• Easily differentiate and customise content to enhance learning
• Save masses of time sourcing relevant information
• Encourages independent research for personal projects
Upgrade if…
You want to streamline the process of collecting and sorting science content, promote choice and foster a deeper understanding for all pupils.
Try it for FREE!
A free trial is available here.
About Britannica Digital Learning
Britannica Digital Learning (BDL) provides reliable, high-quality solutions to strengthen student achievement and educators’ ability to teach to best practice. BDL experts produce curriculum-aligned resources for all ages from elementary school to college that make creative and purposeful use of technologies widely used in schools today. Products include: LaunchPacks Science, LaunchPacks Social Studies, Britannica School, Britannica Academic, Original Sources, Pathways: Science, ImageQuest, and e-books. BDL is a division of Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., with headquarters in Chicago.
Reviewed by John Dabell, independent reviewer and former teacher. Review published in October, 2017 on TeachWire.net.
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